If there is one thing that is certain about the coronavirus, it is that the virus originated from wildlife and became transmitted to humans through human contact with wildlife. This is not only just the case of coronavirus. Domesticated animals have also played a big role in starting multiple pandemics in the past, such as the H1N1 virus in 2009 originating from a pig confinement facility and multiple avian flu outbreaks started in chicken farms. The recent coronavirus and several past outbreaks shed light on the disastrous effects of human encroachment onto diverse ecosystems and the resulting destruction of ecosystems. 

A study by Christine K. Johnson, Peta L. Hitchens, Pranav S. Pandit, Julie Rushmore, Tierra Smiley Evans, Cristin C. W. Young, and Megan M. Doyle revealed how human encroachment and exploitation of wildlife have resulted in decreases in wildlife habitat quality and a surge in possibilities of interaction among animals and humans as well as transmissions of zoonotic diseases. According to the interview with the lead author and the Guardian, the author has explained that “spillover of viruses from animals is a direct result of our actions involving wildlife and their habitat,” stressing how the resulting outcome is the transmission of zoonotic diseases that “simultaneously threaten species survival and increase the risk of spillover.” (Vidal, John) This constitutes a new valid rationale for the protection of wildlife and advocating for the prevention of human encroachment of wildlife and wildlife trade. 

According to an article by the Guardian, 75% of land on earth is affected significantly by human activities. Humanity has dominated over the planet and the current crisis may be a result of our imprudent actions without consideration of wildlife. Now is the time for the structural change in the relationship between humanity and the ecosystem. While environmental issues may not be a pressing issue at the moment, it is important to advocate for legislation for assigning wildlife conservation areas, ecological reserves, and more for not only for wildlife, but also for the survival of our species. Changes are imperative to ensure that wildlife and the human race can live in harmony. 

Works Cited

1. Johnson, Christine K., et al. “Global Shifts in Mammalian Population Trends Reveal Key Predictors of Virus Spillover Risk.” Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, vol. 287, no. 1924, 8 Apr. 2020, p. 20192736., doi:10.1098/rspb.2019.2736.

2. Vidal, John. “Human Impact on Wildlife to Blame for Spread of Viruses, Says Study.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 7 Apr. 2020, www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/08/human-impact-on-wildlife-to-blame-for-spread-of-viruses-says-study-aoe.
   
3. Carrington, Damian. “Humanity Has Wiped out 60% of Animal Populations since 1970, Report Finds.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 30 Oct. 2018, www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/oct/30/humanity-wiped-out-animals-since-1970-major-report-finds.