Why pandemics could increase if we destroy the environment

Why pandemics could become more likely if we continue to destroy the environment

Environmental factors including deforestation, air pollution and urbanization contribute to the severity of pandemics like COVID-19. Experts warn that if we continue to destroy the environment, future pandemics could become more common.

Environmental factors including deforestation, air pollution and urbanization contribute to the severity of pandemics like COVID-19. Experts warn that if we continue to destroy the environment, future pandemics could become more common.

By Nani Walker

and Maggie Beidelman

May 21, 2020 9:45 AM PT

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Climate & Environment

Nani Walker

Nani Walker is a writer, director and former senior commissioning producer at L.A. Times Short Docs, a series from L.A. Times Studios.

Maggie Beidelman

Maggie Beidelman is a former senior video director for the Los Angeles Times. Before joining The Times in 2019, Beidelman helped launch AJ+, the digital media channel of Al Jazeera Media Network, where she produced the award-winning series “Untold America.” Beidelman has her master’s in documentary film from the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism.

Why pandemics could become more likely if we continue to destroy the environment

Environmental factors including deforestation, air pollution and urbanization contribute to the severity of pandemics like COVID-19. Experts warn that if we continue to destroy the environment, future pandemics could become more common.

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