Scientists call for the COVID-19 pandemic to be seen as a warning for the future

AdNewsLocal NewsNewsLocal NewsNews HomeNewsSportCommunityTributes & FuneralsClassifiedsExplore TravelEntertainmentLifestyleRecommendedQuick LinksToday’s PaperDownload our appInteractive

PuzzlesViewJobsNetworkVideoView real estatePress Releases from AAPContact usHelp CentrePrivacy PolicyAbout usView Subscription OffersThe Examiner's complete view of propertyHome/News/Local

NewsScientists call for the COVID-19 pandemic to be seen as a warning for the futureBy Jackson WorthingtonMay 2 2020 - 9:30pmBy Jackson WorthingtonMay 2 2020 -

9:30pmFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyHuman impacts on the environment could be 'increasing the risk of pandemics' As Tasmania prepares to enter the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic,

calls are growing for the crisis to be seen as a warning for the future.

Subscribe now for unlimited access. Login or signup to continue reading

50% off EOFY SaleAll articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperCrosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll other regional websites in your areaContinue The pandemic has had

widespread health and economic ramifications across Tasmania. Thirteen people have died, thousands have been quarantined and more than 20,000 people have lost their job.

Coronavirus: All the latest updates on COVID-19 for Tasmania

While we don't know exactly what animal species the virus originated from, scientists widely consider bats the likely source.

Dr Scott Carver is a senior lecturer at the University of Tasmania who specialises in the ecology and epidemiology of infectious diseases.

In other news:Pioneering 'mini-brain' research receives major funding boostTesting will increase to 2000 per day, NW outbreak 'under control'Tasmania will 'glide not sawtooth' out of

restrictionsTasmania's top health official compares COVID-19 to European arrival He said human impacts on the environment can create new contacts with animals and increase risk of pathogens

transferring between animals and humans.

"Pathogen spillover between species ... happens quite often," Mr Carver said. "It is just that most pathogens don't cause really significant health outcomes. Some of them, however, do.

With a growing human population size and growing human impacts on the environment it is not surprising that you get more of these events happening

- Dr Scott Carver "The chance of any one spillover event resulting in an epidemic is low, but if you increase the opportunity for that to happen, through increasing new contacts, then the

probability increases."

He said implementing policies to limit the risk of potential future pandemics would benefit both public health and biodiversity.

"With a growing human population size and growing human impacts on the environment it is not surprising that you get more of these events happening," Dr Carver said.

"It is incumbent upon us to really take a serious look at the way we treat the environment and think about policies that can limit these sorts of things."

Ecocide is an attempt to criminalise human activities that destroy and diminish the well-being and health of ecosystems and species within an ecosystem

- Dr Olivia Hasler UTAS's Dr Olivia Hasler believes legislating a law of ecocide could be one way to approach establishing these policies.

"Ecocide is an attempt to criminalise human activities that destroy and diminish the well-being and health of ecosystems and species within an ecosystem," she said.

She said the COVID-19 pandemic had highlighted how connected we were as a society, and she hoped that would not be forgotten in the recovery effort.

"A law against ecocide would provide accountability to those that are in positions of power to make decisions about the use of our resources and shared land," Dr Hasler said.

Premier and Climate Change Minister Peter Gutwein said Tasmania's coronavirus recovery would focus on sustainable economic growth.

"Tasmania already has in place strong environmental management frameworks [and] a comprehensive reserve system to protect biodiversity," he said.

"In 2016, we were the first state to achieve zero net emissions, and we have a renewable energy generation target of 200 per cent of our needs by 2040.

"As we look to recover from COVID-19, we will build on and leverage these competitive advantages, which includes our clean, green and innovative brand."

Sign up to one of our many newsletters:

ShareFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyMore from Local NewsPoll position: Premier to head off to Governor to request early electionNo commentsWhy this art gallery wants to draw the ire of the

Australian Tax OfficeNo comments'Tassie definitely needs a team': AFL player says Devils will improve leagueNo commentsImage of missing 52-year-old Victorian man released as search

intensifiesIt's not weak to speak: Mark's message to brave first responders everywhereNo commentsElection uncertainty: Governor to take some time to consider her optionsNo

commentsNewsletters & AlertsView all Daily

Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.

Loading... Weekdays

The lunch break Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation.

Loading... Weekdays

The evening wrap Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening.

Loading... Weekly

Subscriber OnlyNote from the Editor Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters.

Loading... Weekly

Subscriber OnlyFootyHQ Love footy? We've got all the action covered.

Loading... Weekly

Sport The latest news, results & expert analysis.

Loading... Weekly

Explore Travel Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe.

Loading... Weekdays

The Echidna Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.

Loading... Twice weekly

The Informer Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday.

Loading... Twice weekly

Voice of Real Australia Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.

Loading... As it happens

Subscriber OnlySpecial Reports Get the very best journalism from The Examiner by signing up to our special reports.

Loading... Weekly

Motoring Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.

Loading... As it happens

Breaking news alert Be the first to know when news breaks.

Loading... Daily

Subscriber OnlyToday's Paper Alert Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am!

Loading... Daily

Subscriber OnlyYour favourite puzzles Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!

Loading... Advertisement

Ad Advertisement

AdAustralian Community MediaACM WebsiteConditions of UsePrivacyTerms and Conditions - Digital SubscriptionTerms and Conditions - Newspaper SubscriptionThe ExaminerContactAbout UsWorking With

UsToday's PaperCommenting GuidelinesView Property EditionHelp CentreOur SitesViewExploreView InsuranceBeevoPlace an AdClassifiedsCarsTributes & FuneralsCelebrationsPromo

CodesAgTraderMeHelpFarmer's FinanceGarage SalesSubmitSend a letter to the EditorSend Us Your News