Here's a thought for discussion: Is there a relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic

[Eyeball_Kid]

and GLOBAL WARMING?

In the recent past, some scientists have speculated that climate change/warming can have unpredictable consequences, such as the release of microbes into the general population that were previously contained by biodiversity.

With mass extinctions of life forms presently underway, we may be susceptible to this microbial release as one of many that will affect all of us.

Ignoring the decades-long warnings of fossil fuel emissions releases into the atmosphere may now be coming home to roost.

I know that we don't need more bad news, but it may be even more dangerous to NOT consider the global consequences of climate change.

[Wounded Bear]

1. Doubtful...

IIRC the coronavirus was first transmitted to humans in Chinese wet markets, where wild animals are kept in close proximity to food handlers and customers.

Climate change is driving higher migration rates, south to north, and overcrowding makes communicable diseases more dangerous.

[Eyeball_Kid]

5. So a logical question would be:

While "wet markets" have existed for quite some time, why would the virus become exposed to transmittal to humans AT THIS TIME? Why haven't we seen outbreaks before now?

[Cattledog]

2. The wildlife trade is the #1 connection so far.

We are coming in contact with species whose habitat is being affected by GW as well.

[cos dem]

3. I think it's similar to weather phenomenon.

Climate change increases the frequency and severity of storms, but you can't take an individual storm and say it was directly caused by climate change. Likewise, the emergence of new, nasty diseases is likely to increase, but you couldn't say this one is a direct result.

[Eyeball_Kid]

7. So...

a viral pandemic is to environmental collapse as a spike of tornadoes is to climate change?

[safeinOhio]

4. Not this one, but

Insect vector illness may take off.