Short Wave

The Troubling Link Between Deforestation and Disease

Jul 20, 2020
Nate Rott, NPR national correspondent, dives into the alarming link between deforestation and disease outbreaks. He discusses how habitat destruction forces wildlife closer to humans, increasing the risk of zoonotic diseases. During the pandemic, illegal logging surged despite the belief that environmental conditions were improving. Rott highlights the urgent need for forest protection and economic reforms to combat these intertwined crises, emphasizing that environmental health is crucial for preventing future health emergencies.
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ANECDOTE

2013 Ebola Outbreak Origin

  • The 2013 Ebola outbreak, the largest in history, killed over 11,000 people.
  • It may have started with a boy playing near a bat-filled tree in a deforested area of Guinea.
INSIGHT

Deforestation and Disease

  • Deforestation increases the risk of zoonotic diseases like Ebola and COVID-19.
  • This happens because animals, displaced by habitat loss, come into closer contact with humans.
INSIGHT

Pandemic and Deforestation

  • The COVID-19 pandemic may worsen deforestation due to diverted government resources and attention.
  • This leads to increased illegal logging and other activities in tropical forests.
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