How the Environment is the leading cause of COVID

By: Labiba
How many times, this year, were you able to step outside? The neighborhood you live in  has been in the worst condition you have ever seen with trash piled up on the sidewalks and empty streets with no footprints. If this year has taught us one thing, its caution. Due to COVID-19 that resulted in over a million deaths around the world, we have grieved and suffered over the damage this pandemic has caused. We all know that the pandemic started due to a transfer from a bat to a human but the problem is rooted much deeper than this. ​

Human impact on the environment has caused the outbreak of multiple epidemics and pandemics. Because of this, we might see a new infectious disease ten years from now. Humans, livestock and wildlife are interacting in new and unexpected ways, bringing new species – and their resident infections – together with unpredictable results. Cutting down old-growth and rain forests, which harbor a rich biodiversity of life, to create agricultural or pastoral land potentially brings people and livestock in closer contact thus giving more exposure to diseases carried by animals. In addition, biodiversity loss threatens natural food sources which means animals seek other sources of food found where people live. As humans, we destroy biodiversity and interrupt the cycle of life for our animals. As we build and expand onto lands designated for the production and food cycle for animals, we create a significant change in the way animals and humans interact. As we lose sources of food along with animals, they have to move into places where we live which increases the contact we have with them. Thus, leading to infectious diseases, one of which we have currently. If covid had such a drastic impact on our health, what are the chances we will be able to survive the next one? Many people know the basic origin of covid but refuse to understand how climate change plays such a big role in the development of these viruses. One way we can help is by planting native trees, restoring wetlands or cleaning up beaches in your area. Another way we can help is by volunteering, many organizations and zoos have volunteer programs. You can help clean beaches, rescue wild animals or teach visitors. There’s more complicated and time consuming ways to help the planet but these are some of the easy ways to create a difference. If we all take an approach, no matter how small or big, we can create a better environment for us to live in.