Protecting our world from future pandemics
Report
This report examines the root causes of zoonotic diseases and proposes solutions to prevent future pandemics and protect animals.
Executive summary:
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the fragility of our relationship with animals and nature. It has also highlighted the urgent need to address the drivers of zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can jump from animals to humans. These drivers include wildlife trade and consumption, intensive farming, deforestation, and climate change.
This report argues that we need a One Health approach that recognizes the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health. It also presents a roadmap for action that includes banning the global commercial trade in wild animals, ending the worst practices of animal agriculture, protecting and restoring natural habitats, and promoting plant-based diets. By implementing these measures, we can reduce the risk of future pandemics, improve animal welfare, and safeguard our planet.
Key points:
- Zoonotic diseases are responsible for over two billion cases of human illness and over two million human deaths each year. They also cause immense suffering and mortality for animals.
- The main drivers of zoonotic diseases are human activities that exploit animals and degrade nature, such as wildlife trade and consumption, intensive farming, deforestation, and climate change.
- A One Health approach is needed to prevent future pandemics and protect animals. This approach recognizes that human health is closely linked to animal health and environmental health.
- The report proposes a roadmap for action that includes four pillars: ban the global commercial trade in wild animals, end the worst practices of animal agriculture, protect and restore natural habitats, and promote plant-based diets.