AS the human race reflects on the costs of covid-19 and its devastation around the world, we also need to take a few steps back and evaluate man’s impact on the universe.
Analysts and behavioral commentators are reminding people that although lockdown restrictions have been relaxed to boost economic activity, they are also advising that life cannot return to normality until a vaccine is found for the virus.
We are inundated with reminders from practically all the different media about safety protocols relating to the virus.
Although there exists lamentations in respect of the origin of this corona virus emanating from a wet market in Wuhan in China and many other conspiracy theories, the simple fact remains that it is here and countries are dealing with this pandemic.
Maybe lets introspect to understand what has been happening in the universe.
There has been major deforestation because of man’s greed to reclaim more and more land.
The rain forests are being decimated at an alarming rate.
This disrupts and destroys the habitats of of many animals.
Trees absorb carbon dioxide emitted from fossil fuels. Without the trees, these gases rise up into the atmosphere resulting in the earth becoming hotter, causing global warming.
When man interferes with mother nature the repercussions are going to be devastating.
As long as the human race continues on this path of pillaging, exploiting and the destruction of the universe, there will be no lasting peace on earth.
Religions and science teaches us that we need to live in equilibrium with nature embracing a symbiotic relationship.
If we do not adhere to the signals of the universe, like what is playing out now, the human race does so at its own peril.One glaring example is wildlife markets which have become breeding grounds for these viruses that seem to be evolving, mutating and becoming more destructive.
At this juncture The Lawrence Anthony Earth Organisation has stated that the world needs to stand together to bring wildlife trade to an end because it is a barbaric practice and all wildlife markets must be permanently closed.
If leaders of countries and more especially citizens do not comprehend the magnitude of infectious diseases that involve transmission from animals to human (zoonitic), then the world needs to prepare the battleground for more invisible enemies in the future.
These zoonitic diseases include the Mers and Sars coronaviruses, Ebola, HIV, bovine tuberculosis and rabies among others.According to the organisation, zoonitic diseases are responsible for more than two billion cases of human illness and more than two million human deaths each year.
These figures need to be analysed and acted upon in the interests of saving lives and the economies of countries.As the current situation bears testimony that the trade in wildlife has impacted the entire planet which is going to create poverty and suffering as a result.
A major role-player in the banning of these wildlife markets lies with the leverage that the World Health Organisation has on governments.
The WHO has to take into account that wildlife trade poses a risk to human heath.They need to be cautious yet decisive.
Vijay Surujpal
Phoenix
*Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via Telegram? Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts.
Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.
