Why pandemics could increase if we 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 Sahra Walker,

Maggie Beidelman

May 21, 2020 9:45 AM PT

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Nani Sahra Walker

Nani Sahra Walker is the director of L.A. Times Short Docs, a monthly series from L.A. Times Studios.

Maggie Beidelman

Maggie Beidelman is a senior video director focusing on the L.A. Times’ YouTube channel. Before joining the Los Angeles Times, 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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