Ancient viruses, new threats

The global Covid 19 lockdown may seem like an eternity ago, but the threat of another full-scale pandemic has never resided.  Scientists warn that as the Arctic permafrost continues to melt ancient viruses and bacteria are gradually being freed from the ice. The risks are significant, but researchers are working to identify potential threats and better prepare the world for future pandemics. Uppermost in many minds is the need to ensure future global cooperation in the event of another zoonotic outbreak. 

Original broadcast on March 26, 2023.

Guests

Dr Christine Prat – Director of Operations, European Virus Archive 

Dr Jean-Michel Claverie – Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Aix-Marseille University 

Dr Aaron Bernstein – Director, The Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health