Biology Seminar Series - George B. Saul II Lecture in Biology

Preventing Pandemics and Saving Species through Forest Conservation

Spillover of novel pathogens from wildlife to people, such as the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, is increasing and this trend is most strongly associated with tropical deforestation driven by agricultural expansion. This same process is eroding natural capital, reducing forest-associated health co-benefits, and accelerating climate change.