In the major study “Workshop on Biodiversity and Pandemics” published by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), 22 international scientists highlighted that pandemic risks are driven by human activities. The main factors include wildlife trade and animal livestock raising, which are also propelling climate change and biodiversity loss.
Chaired by Dr. Peter Daszak, president of United States- based nonprofit EcoHealth Alliance, the report warned that there are up to 827,000 unknown viruses in nature that could infect humanity. To prevent “more frequent, deadly, and costly pandemics”, the study urged policy makers to promote a transition to healthier and more sustainable diets, levy taxes on meat consumption and livestock production, and regulate wildlife trade.
Many thanks, Dr. Peter Daszak and all experts involved in this important IPBES report. To safeguard the Earth for all inhabitants, may every country take unequivocal and urgent steps to accelerate humanity’s transition to a vegan world, in Heaven’s wisdom.
