What Happened
A recent study by Zero Carbon Analytics (ZCA) revealed that tropical forests harbor a potential trillion-dollar benefit for public health, with chemicals of special interest (DSI) that can contain a median of $714 billion in undiscovered commercial value for the development of new medicines.
However, deforestation and forest degradation put all of this at risk, with an estimated $86 billion in commercial value of undiscovered medicines and $900 billion in social value at risk due to the deforestation of tropical forests since 2001.
Why This Matters
The social and health value for patients is even higher, in the order of $7 trillion, highlighting the importance of tropical forests for public health.
Furthermore, combating deforestation emerges as a strategic action for exploiting this medicinal potential, with the fulfillment of the global goal of eradicating deforestation by 2030 potentially preserving $79 billion in commercial value and $800 billion in social value by 2050.
The Scientific Mechanism Behind This
The chemicals of special interest (DSI) stored in tropical forests are derived from plants, especially for medicines and other medicinal compounds.
The pharmaceutical industry is eyeing this potential, but this attention has not yet translated into resources dedicated to conservation, with only AstraZeneca and the Novo Nordisk Foundation announcing specific financial investments towards biodiversity.
Broader Context
Just over half (50.5%) of the estimated average commercial value is located in the Amazon Basin, Southeast Asia, and the Congo Basin, highlighting the importance of these regions for biodiversity conservation.
Additionally, the study shows that the pharmaceutical industry has depended for decades on the genetic resources of tropical forests, but there has been very little corresponding investment to conserve the biodiversity on which these discoveries depend.
What Will Happen Next
Combating deforestation is fundamental to exploiting this medicinal potential, with the need for specific financial investments towards biodiversity conservation.
Furthermore, the pharmaceutical industry must take a more active role in conserving biodiversity, with specific financial investments towards protecting tropical forests.
Conclusion
Tropical forests are a treasure of undiscovered medicines, with a potential trillion-dollar benefit for public health.
However, deforestation and forest degradation put all of this at risk, highlighting the importance of combating deforestation and conserving biodiversity to exploit this medicinal potential.
Source / Reference
Original URL: https://climainfo.org.br/2026/08/05/florestas-tropicais-guardam-ate-us-12-tri-em-medicamentos-nao-descobertos/
Source Name: ClimaInfo