A new public opinion research conducted nationwide exclusively for Fundación Vida Silvestre Argentina highlights the impact of nature on human health. It also emphasizes the importance of the jaguar as a symbol of biodiversity, as well as the growing concern about issues such as deforestation and forest fires.
The study, carried out by Ágora Consultores with more than 6,000 cases nationwide, shows that:
-
9 out of 10 Argentinians consider that environmental deterioration significantly affects people’s health.
-
8 out of 10 individuals are committed to environmental care, but they believe that society’s commitment is very low.
“The environment is not an isolated issue; it is the foundation that sustains our health, our economy, and our daily lives. The environment interacts with all areas of our existence, from social development to the economic decisions we make as a country. Therefore, reinforcing its importance and promoting action and commitment is not only necessary, it is urgent. Every step we take towards a balanced relationship with nature that impacts health is a step towards a sustainable future, necessary and vital for all people, ensuring our right to a healthy environment,” stated Manuel Jaramillo, General Director of Fundación Vida Silvestre Argentina.
Furthermore, the research revealed the environmental issues of greatest concern to Argentine society:
-
More than 6 out of 10 respondents consider forest loss as the most serious problem. Regions like the Gran Chaco and Misiones identify this threat as a priority, reflecting its direct impact on biodiversity and local ecosystems.
-
“According to monitoring of native forest surface conducted by the Nation between 1998 and 2022, 6.4 million hectares of native forest were deforested mainly due to the advance of the agricultural frontier – the same amount lost globally in 2022. Furthermore, the report on causes and impacts of native forest deforestation indicates that 87% of the lost native forest corresponds to the Chaco region and that 43% occurred during the current Forest Law,” detailed Manuel Jaramillo, General Director of Fundación Vida Silvestre Argentina on the topic.
-
More than half of the respondents mention fires as a major concern. In this regard, fires intensify with droughts and climate change, causing large-scale and difficult to control fires, resulting in irreparable damage to the environment and people.
-
4 out of 10 Argentinians express concern about waste management. In urban areas like Buenos Aires, waste separation and recycling are prioritized.
-
4 out of 10 surveyed individuals pointed out climate change as another worrying issue. According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, 2024 was the warmest year in history globally, generating extreme events such as heatwaves, cold waves, prolonged droughts, floods, intense precipitation, and unusual snowfalls.
On the other hand, the jaguar is consolidated as a symbol of national biodiversity, as 9 out of 10 respondents identified it as the most emblematic wild animal in the country. Furthermore, almost 9 out of 10 people believe that this feline is essential for ecosystem balance, and nearly 100% believe that its extinction would be very serious. As an emblematic inhabitant of the Misiones jungle, the Gran Chaco, and the Yungas, the largest feline in our country is recognized for its vital ecological importance.
“The perception of how the environment affects people’s health is high, reinforcing the need for public policies and collective actions that preserve ecosystems as the basis for a healthy life. However, although there is interest in nature, actions are often individual. In this context, environmental education emerges as a key tool to inspire collective actions and generate lasting changes,” stated Jaramillo. In this regard, Vida Silvestre offers training, materials, and free activities for teachers and environmental multipliers available at www.educación.vidasilvestre.org.ar.
Have you visited our YouTube channel yet? Subscribe now!
