We know that deforestation is bad because forests provide oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, influence rainfall patterns, among other things. However, something that is not talked about enough with deforestation is that preventing it might just be the key to preventing future disease outbreaks like Covid 19. This is because most of our diseases are zoonotic (approximately 60%), which are diseases caused by pathogens that jump from nonhuman animals to humans. With increased deforestation, we come more in contact with wild animals which increases chances of pathogens jumping to humans. Moreover, deforestation reduces biodiversity, and the species who survive often carry diseases that are transferable to human beings.
There have even been specific studies that demonstrate this phenomenon. One study that took place in Uganda found habitat fragmentation and deforestation led nonhuman primates to raid crops. This increased contact with nonhuman primates is even more risky because of our genetic similarity. If two species are genetically similar, it is much easier for a pathogen to infect the other species as well because the virus is already familiar with that DNA (this is a reason why biodiversity is important).
Since one of the main causes of deforestation is agricultural expansion- most of which is used for livestock- eating more plant based might be one of the best things an individual can do to help (not to mention the unsanitary conditions of factory farms are the perfect breeding grounds for another disease outbreak as well). Other things an individual can do include using recycled products/using less paper, avoiding products with palm oil, buying sustainable wood, and supporting sustainable organizations when possible.
Manila K
The Carbon Newsprint
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