According to numerous scientists humanity’s destruction of biodiversity creates the conditions for new viruses and diseases such as Covid-19. Deforestation for farming, mining and housing will drive wildlife into contact with people and cause diseases to spill over to humans. Covid-19 is just the beginning, scientists are warning, given that far more deadly diseases exist in wildlife, the source of 75% of all emerging infectious diseases. A sobering thought.

It is likely that, as the immediate crisis wanes and its economic consequences become clearer, we cast aside longer-term aspirations. Instead we pursue short-term easy fixes, many with adverse environmental consequences. But there is also an alternative direction. The Covid-19 crisis might actually create a general sense of urgency and provide an opportunity for change. Can we turn this crisis into an acknowledgement of the dangers of deforestation and emphasize the importance of reforestation?

We have collected some interesting ideas in articles, to collect our thoughts on how to proceed in convincing the world of the importance of our work.