The complex web between environmental disruption, pesticide use, and human health: lessons from the bat crisis

Abstract Background The close relationship between environmental balance, biodiversity, and human health has long been a concern of science and public policy. Disruptions in ecosystems often trigger cascading effects that extend far beyond the original ecological imbalance, affecting agricultural practices, food security, and public health. Understanding these interdependencies is essential, particularly in the face of growing environmental degradation, global health threats, and rising levels of scientific misinformation. Main body Recent evidence demonstrates how the decline of bat populations due to fungal infections led to a dramatic increase in pesticide use and a corresponding rise in infant mortality in a specific region, even though all pesticide applications occurred within legal safety thresholds. The death of over two-thirds of the bat population, natural insect predators, resulted in intensified chemical pest control measures. This unexpected outcome illustrates how the loss of ecological agents can result in human health impacts through indirect mechanisms. In contexts where pesticide use is widespread and regulatory frameworks are weaker, such as in parts of Latin America, particularly Brazil and Central America, the potential for similar or worse consequences is high (Wesseling in Int J Occup Environ Health 7:287–294, 2001; Londres in Rede Bras Justiça Ambient Articul Nac Agroecol, 2012; do Dossiê in DOSSIÊ ABRASCO Um alerta sobre os impactos dos Agrotóxicos na Saúde Parte 1-Agrotóxicos, Segurança Alimentar e Saúde, 2017). The current scenario is further exacerbated by the global decline of pollinators like bees, which threatens agricultural productivity and food supply chains. These challenges are compounded by increased human encroachment on natural habitats, contributing to the emergence of zoonotic diseases, as observed in recent pandemics. Conclusion Environmental disruptions, when met with poorly considered human interventions, may result in unintended and harmful effects on public health. The evidence reinforces the urgency of adopting integrated environmental and health policies based on scientific evidence and ecological understanding. Promoting ecological conservation and reducing dependence on chemical inputs are crucial not only for biodiversity preservation but also for protecting human lives, particularly those of the most vulnerable populations. This study argues that ecological collapse, pesticide dependency, and public health crises are inseparable dimensions of the Anthropocene, demanding integrated, cross-sectoral responses.