Link Between Pandemics And Deforestation

How to prevent future outbreak and deaths.

The current COVID-19 situation is certainly taking a toll on society and the global economy. We have been dealing with its effects for months now, awaiting the upcoming creation of a vaccination. For the time being billions of dollars are being allocated into combating the monstrous issue. As I previously wrote in an older post, despite the overwhelming negative outcomes of COVID-19, given the drastically lower pollution rates, the environment is doing better than ever.

 Reflecting on the environmental sector there is an apparent connection between the vast deforestation occurring and the rise in animal transmitted diseases. Deforestation, clearing large areas of trees, is horrible. When looking for a way to slow climate change, trees are key. We need trees not only for absorbing the carbon dioxide we exhale but subsequently for the greenhouse gases that human pursuits emit. Removing trees not only limits the scale of this process but also along with tearing down the beautiful forestry, wild animals are taken from their natural habitat and illegally sold to live in small cages alongside owners who are not equipped to provide what they need. 

During this inhumane process diseases are transferred from animals to humans. An example of a zoonose (disease that is carried from animals to humans) is found in the spread of COVID-19. Bats along with other similar species are able to handle an abnormally elevated viral load. Farmers hope the bats stay out of forested areas and spend their time assisting in the pollination process of crops. As many of you may know, this pandemic was initially brought into the human population after a bat was eaten by a human. The occurrence of cooking, eating, and trapping bats in close proximity results in the spread of disease our population can’t handle. 

Removing trees not only limits the scale of this process but also along with tearing down the beautiful forestry, wild animals are taken from their natural habitat and illegally sold to live in small cages alongside owners who are not equipped to provide what they need. 

So what can we do about this? The informative article below explains possible solutions in depth.

https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/forests/solutions-to-deforestation/

To summarize what was said, we must start where the deforestation begins. Large corporations have the influence to cut down a monstrous number of trees and therefore can also put an end to this process.

In addition, to signing petitions and working to ensure companies understand and want to stop mass destruction of trees, you can also do a few things throughout your day to help out.

1. Support businesses working to reduce deforestation (companies include Hershey, Asian Pulp and Paper and Unilever)

2. Plant a tree

3. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

4. Limit paper usage in work or school