China's demand for wildlife products for traditional medicine and exotic foods is driving a global trade in endangered species. Markets selling live animals are considered a potential source of diseases that are new to humans. Over 70% of emerging human infections are estimated to have come from animals, particularly wild animals. Campaigners want China to apply a permanent ban on the wildlife trade. Pray that their crusade is successful and this trade becomes illegal. Editorials in China's state-controlled media have denounced the uncontrolled wildlife market. Ecologists say the coronavirus outbreak could provide China with an opportunity to prove that it is serious about protecting biodiversity. In September this year, Beijing will be hosting a major global meeting on natural and biological resources, known as the Convention on Biological Diversity. A report last year by an intergovernmental group found that one million species are at risk of extinction.
China: coronavirus - wildlife trade - ecology
Written by David Fletcher 06 Feb 2020Additional Info
- Pray: for God to be motivating the delegates for September’s convention to put sustainability of wildlife high on their agendas. (Psalm 24:1)
- More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-51310786
Tagged under