The Environment and Its Role in Preventing Future Pandemics

In a short period of time, the world has gone through an unbelievable process of acknowledging, responding and acclimating to a global pandemic. Now Congress is working on bipartisan legislation to strengthen the nation's public health infrastructure and outline its next round of supplemental pandemic aid.

The question of how we can prevent and mitigate the effects of future pandemics has a down-to-earth answer - protect the environment. Duke researchers have discovered key insights about the adverse consequences arising from deforestation and industrial development. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown a light on the important role technology can play in epidemiology and conservation efforts.

In this discussion, panelists will consider the implications environmental conservation and investment has for preventing another spread of pathogens, as well as a long list of other associated societal benefits.