“What Role Do Forests Play in the Emergence of Viruses Like Covid 19?”

The Redwood Forest Foundation has received interest, support and questions from around the globe from individuals seeking solutions to the conditions that contribute to the novel corona virus pandemic. “What do forests have to do with the current pandemic?” “Can we work on the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change at the same time?” “What is the connection between diminishing biodiversity and the pandemic?”

Scientists suggest that these issues are inextricably linked. Certainly, the emphasis now must be treating the ill, preventing the spread of infection and developing testing, tracing, treatments and a vaccine. While our valiant health care workers and scientists are addressing those critical issues, RFFI is working with partners around the globe to address deforestation, habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity and climate disruption- all of which contribute to the emergence of zoonotic viruses like Covid-19 that travel from animals to man. How? Read and listen to more information about these connections.

Recommended Sources

The Coming Plague: Newly Emerging Diseases in a World Out of Balance, by Laurie Garrett, a NY Times best-seller was published in 1994. This definitive book on how ecosystem disruption contributes to the transmission of zoonotic viruses that will launch new pandemics was then acutely controversial. It is now mainstream thought. Despite this, we fail to address the underlying environmental causes to our peril.

Covid-19 Economic Fallout Rampant deforestation, intensive farming, remote mining as well as, the exploitation of wild animals for food, traditional medicines and exotic pets – are creating the spillover of diseases from wildlife to people. UN delegates will be told that costs for wildlife and forest protection and restoration are miniscule compared the cost of The COVID 19 pandemic.

Deforestation: “How Deforestation Drives The Emergence Of Novel Coronaviruses” scientists warn that deforestation may be creating an accidental laboratory for the emergence of new viruses in humans. They documented a potential path for viruses from bats through other mammals to humans.

Biodiversity: “Want to Stop the Next Pandemic? Start Protecting Wildlife Habitats.” An article about the need to protect our global ecosystem when seeking to avoid major crises like the Covid-19 global pandemic.

Climate Change, Deforestation and Human and Animal Ecology: Interview with Dr Michelle Berry, Director of the Center for Innovation in Global Health at Stanford University. DR Berry insists that the issues are likely to be inextricably linked. Berry states that it is crucial that we understand the role climate change and deforestation play in the changing animal and human ecology.

Role of Reforestation in Addressing Climate Change: A YouTube video of a workshop at Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment. A panel of academics and NGO practitioners from Stanford University Woods Institute for the Environment, World Wildlife Fund, the Earth Innovation Institute, and Resources for the Future that discusses the impact of tree-planting on climate change and associated benefits for avoiding catastrophic forest fires and loss of biodiversity.

Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall says global disregard for nature brought on coronavirus pandemic.
The renowned conservationist and activist hopes the coronavirus pandemic will be a wake-up call, warning the crisis is a result of human disregard for nature and animals. Dr Goodall said the loss of animal habitats and intensive farming along with live animal markets are part of the problem, making it easier for viruses to spread from one animal to another and then to humans.