Help me protect biodiversity!

COVID-19 has affected us all, no matter our geographical location or ecological habitat. In 2009, the National Research Council (US) Committee on Achieving Sustainable Global Capacity for Surveillance and Response to Emerging Diseases of Zoonotic Origin issued a report that made the case for zoonotic disease surveillance.  

In Chapter 3, the report identified "The Drivers Of Zoonotic Disease." These drivers are human, social, technological and environmental. Reading the report and another paper titled "Biodiversity Loss and the Rise of Zoonotic Pathogens", I became convinced that the loss of species' biodiversity is one of the factors that are driving the rise of zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19, West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease.

As one who studies science, I recognize the importance of animals and diverse species in our lives and I truly am a great supporter of protecting all species on Earth.

I believe that our planet depends on the diversity of species on Earth. That is why I support the work of Panda Nation of protecting wildlife. If you care about animals, species, and the Earth I invite you to contribute to the cause in the way that is most convenient to you.

You can donate to my fundraiser page or you can become involved in this most pressing cause.

Cheers,

Pat

References:

1. National Research Council (US) Committee on Achieving Sustainable Global Capacity for Surveillance and Response to Emerging Diseases of Zoonotic Origin. Sustaining Global Surveillance and Response to Emerging Zoonotic Diseases. Keusch GT, Pappaioanou M, Gonzalez MC, Scott KA, Tsai P, editors. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2009. PMID: 25009943. 

2. Ostfeld RS. Biodiversity loss and the rise of zoonotic pathogens. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2009 Jan;15 Suppl 1:40-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.02691.x. PMID: 19220353.