Clearing tropical forests is also a threat to human health and well-being #TEDTalks

Summary

This transcript highlights how deforestation, a consequence of human activity, directly contributes to the emergence and spread of viral pandemics by increasing human-wildlife contact and stressing animal populations. It references the historical link between animal-borne viruses and pandemics, and the aggravating role of climate change. The practical takeaway is that protecting tropical forests is a cost-effective solution that can simultaneously mitigate disease outbreaks and combat climate change.