Map shows where new infectious diseases are most likely to emerge

By GRID-Arendal

June 9^th, 2020

You might not know the word zoonosis, but you’ve definitely heard of the world’s most famous zoonosis: COVID-19.

Zoonoses, also known as zoonotic diseases, are caused by viruses or other pathogens that jump from animals to humans. This happens often, but in most cases does not have a large impact. In the case of COVID-19, though, the impact has been almost unimaginably enormous.

Zoonotic diseases are at high risk of emerging in formerly forested areas where there is rich wildlife biodiversity, dense human populations, and extensive land-use change by humans. In areas that have been disturbed by activities like logging or mining, animals can be forced into close contact with humans, and the pathogens animals carry can leap from their species to ours.

This map shows hotspots at risk of zoonotic emerging infectious diseases:

Map shows where new infectious diseases are most likely to emerge

GRID-Arendal works on many projects that could help stop of emergence of new zoonoses. We highlight problems related to deforestation and wildlife poaching, and we’re working to address human-wildlife conflict through the Vanishing Treasures project among other efforts. Our “Global Linkages” report, published last year with the UN Environment Programme, contained an earlier version of this map and explained how climate change can contribute to the northward expansion of zoonoses all the way into the Arctic – yet another reason why we need aggressive climate action.