Future Earth will hold a webinar on the connection between environmental issues and the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, titled “Earth day 2020 and COVID-19, How are Environmental and Health Crises Linked?” on Wednesday, 22 April 13:00 Central European Time (20:00 Japan Time). The webinar will be held on Earth Day, which is celebrated annually across the world.

The main objective of this webinar would be to present the link between environmental issues and the current health crisis (COVID-19). The emphasis would be on two main drivers: i) rapid urbanization and ii) loss of biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as the consequences: hotspots of zoonotic diseases. The conversation will address how population density, population size, and airline connections explain the rapid spread of COVID-19, and will also touch on the ways the global response is providing evidence that coordinated environmental interventions (such as climate or pollution mitigation efforts) can be effective. Moving forward with the reality of a world in which COVID-19 plays a central role, we will focus on cities and how mapping vulnerable populations can be instrumental for decision making.

Members of the Health and Urban Knowledge-Action Networks (KANs), as well as a member of the Advisory Committee are invited as speakers. To participate in this webinar, register from here. If you have any questions about registration or about the webinar, please e-mail webinars@futureearth.org.