Deforestation, habitat loss and wildlife poaching aren’t just environmental issues. They’re among the driving forces behind the rise in global infectious disease outbreaks — and likely contributed the current pandemic. That’s according to scientists who’ve been sounding the alarm for decades, warning that as we encroach on wildlife to establish new farmland, build mining operations or just make room for growing cities and towns, the more likely it is we’ll come into contact with wild animals harboring deadly pathogens. “COVID-19 is not surprising because we know how these things happen,” said Aleksandar Rankovic, a senior research fellow working on biodiversity governance at the Paris-based Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations. “We know the risk factors for new disease transmission, and we know that they have been increasing rather than decreasing. I’m surprised people are so surprised.” To view the full article visit ABC News.
