by John Vidal, The Guardian

Highlights:

As humans continue to encroach on wildland for development, the exposure to more zoonotic diseases increases, which could cause more pandemics:

As more people log, mine, and develop roads and towns in tropic forests and other important wildlife habitats, humans increase their chances of contracting diseases and unknown viruses
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that three-quarters of new or emerging diseases that infect humans originate in animals
Zoonotic diseases that have infected humans in the past include ebola, SARS, MERS, rabies, lyme, and the plague
In 2008 researchers identified 335 diseases that emerged within the last 50 years and around 60% came from animals
Diseases are likely to spring up in both natural and urban environments as densely packed cities have bats and rodent populations that can carry viruses
“Wet markets” around the world selling wild animals and bushmeat along with produce have mass potential to be large hosts of various pathogens and zoonotic diseases

The COVID-19 pandemic is a stark reminder that we ignore the science at our own peril and early action saves lives. To avert dire consequences in-state and to inspire greater climate action worldwide, California must accelerate its climate leadership and policy timelines now.

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Nina Turner

Nina is a graduate of the Energy Management and Design program at Sonoma State University. She has experience in non-profits that specialize in sustainability and volunteerism. Nina is currently the Energy Program Coordinator and produces the bi-weekly Clean Power Exchange newsletter.