Our Collective Role in the Global Pandemic
Abstract
The emergence of COVID-19 has sparked a global conversation about the need to reconsider our food choices, particularly the consumption of wildlife and domesticated animals. Viruses that cause human illnesses often originate from animals, highlighting the potential risks associated with these practices. Wet markets and factory farming facilitate interactions between animals, enabling viruses to cross-contaminate and spread to humans. This article examines the consequences of anthropocentric eating habits, corporate greed, and lack of knowledge about microbe-level issues. It emphasizes the urgent need for a cultural shift away from animal agriculture to prevent future deadly pandemics and protect public health, the economy, and the environment. By making informed and responsible food choices, we can collectively contribute to a safer and healthier world.