Coronavirus Impact on our Nature 2020| Research about Covid-19 Impacts

The COVID-19 19 epidemic has spread around the world with lightning speed, killing millions and affecting millions. Conservation International, a growing body of research, including research by scientists, points to a direct link between the destruction of nature and the spread of disease.

spotlighting the role of protecting and restoring nature in preventing future pandemics.

What does nature have to do with the spread of disease?

In nature, ecosystems function in the same way as the human body:

when they are strong and healthy - which means they have space for a diverse and healthy animal population - they can be a source of disease. Are less likely. As the global wildlife trade continues and human activity expands deeper into the tropics, humans are increasing their exposure to wildlife and related diseases. When mining and logging endanger or destroy wildlife habitat, animals are forced into different or smaller areas and are more likely to be stressed or sick.

They are also more likely to come into contact with humans and domestic animals, which transmit the disease from wildlife to humans. We know that wildlife species that are at risk of exploitation or habitat loss are more likely to have the disease, and new research shows that the rapid destruction of nature by animals the spread of the disease will be more frequent.

 

How is COVID-19 affecting nature?

There is a misconception that nature is taking a "break" from humans during the COVID-19 epidemic. Instead, many rural areas in the tropics face increasing pressure from land grabbing, deforestation, illegal mining and wildlife poaching. People who have lost their jobs in the cities are returning to their rural homes, increasing the pressure on natural resources, while the risk of moving COVID-19 to rural areas has also increased. There have been reports of deforestation in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Illegal miners and loggers are encroaching on indigenous areas, which can infect remote indigenous communities. Resources in economically dependent areas of tourism must be reduced as tourism has stalled, resulting in increased consumption of bismuth (wild meat) in Africa. Meanwhile, illegal mining for gold and precious stones is on the rise in Latin America and Africa, as prices have risen, and protected areas have been blocked.

 

How is COVID-19 affecting climate change?

From a public health perspective, the climate crisis is exacerbating the spread of some diseases and complicating efforts to combat others. Weather and climate are two important factors that control the rate at which viruses such as the flu infect humans. Although scientists are currently uncertain about how climate change will affect the spread of COVID-19, research has predicted that rising global temperatures will determine the timing, distribution and spread of future diseases. Will change in intensity.

                               

What are we doing?

Human health and economic health are inextricably linked to the health of our planet. To this end, Conservation International is working with governments, companies, communities and other organizations to achieve these three essential measures to protect people and the planet from emerging viruses and diseases.

Nature conservation

Nature conservation, Change humanity's relationship with nature. The ecosystem is designed to be self-regulating, meaning that it is designed to maintain a very natural balance between species and disease that should not be disturbed. This means leaving the animals in their natural habitat and preventing the destruction of these habitats.

 

Deforestation

Changes in land use are the first major cause of dangerous diseases, including animal-to-human viruses. Tearing down trees does not eliminate the presence of the virus in nature. Rather, it encourages the spread of the disease. Maintaining a healthy ecosystem reduces the chances of viruses being present and transmitted to humans.

                          

 

Stopping the illegal trade of wildlife

Illicit trade encourages people to catch live animals and move them to densely populated areas, which significantly increases the risk that the disease will spread to humans. We need to eliminate this incentive by creating alternative livelihoods.

                                

What should policy makers do?

Governments should stop barring legal safeguards for the world's safest areas, as they could accelerate climate change, eliminate a key resource for a sustainable economy, and damage biodiversity and It can play an important role in deforestation.

The government should use the opportunity to increase safe havens instead of scaling them up. In countries where deforestation, illegal mining and poaching are on the rise, enforcement efforts need to be sustained, even in the face of the epidemic.

Importantly, countries should start planning to rebuild their economies in a way that promotes green infrastructure change through long-term commitments to public spending and price reform. Once sanctions are lifted, governments and development financial institutions should prioritize stimulus efforts that have high economic impact and reduce carbon emissions.

Such an investment would add additional benefits to biodiversity and reduce the risk of the spread of zoonotic diseases, thus addressing a major cause of the current epidemic.

It is important that the environment and biodiversity remain at the top of the agenda in 2020 and beyond, and that leaders seize every opportunity to maintain that momentum.

                

What do companies do?

Companies should redouble their investment in natural climate solutions, which support the protection and maintenance of critical ecosystems, climate sustainability and ecosystem resilience, and increase people's access to their income.

Help. Natural Forests - By investing in nature conservation, companies can help prevent loss of biodiversity, which will improve disease resistance by allowing a healthy population of diverse species and animals.
While businesses focus on responding to the urgent need to reduce epidemics and protect essential workers, they must also look forward to economic recovery efforts that support societies. Natural climate solutions, such as rehabilitating degraded lands, can increase income access for people in both developed and developing countries. Recent studies show that for every 10 million people invested in reforestation or forest management, about 40 jobs can be created, much higher than traditional industries such as coal and gas. The results of every dollar spent on tree restoration projects are between 1.60 and 60.60.