Dead Epidemiologists: On the Origins of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic was not unexpected, as epidemiologists have warned of new infectious diseases since the turn of the century. Dead Epidemiologists explores the hidden-in-plain-sight truth behind the pandemic, revealing that global capital drove deforestation and development that exposed us to new pathogens.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2020
Publisher: Monthly Review Press,U.S.

The COVID-19 pandemic has left the world in shock, a situation that should not have come as a surprise. Epidemiologists have been warning about the emergence of new infectious diseases for years, with a list of notable viruses including H1N1, H7N9, SARS, MERS, Ebola Makona, Zika, and numerous others emerging almost annually. However, the focus has shifted to the epidemiologists themselves, raising questions about their understanding of the disease. Despite their own warnings and courageous efforts to investigate the origins of the COVID-19 virus, many researchers seem oblivious to the true nature of the disease, as if they have become numb to the evidence they have witnessed.

Dead Epidemiologists is an eclectic collection of commentaries, articles, and interviews that shed light on the hidden-in-plain-sight truth behind the pandemic. Authored by Rob Wallace and a team of ecologists, geographers, activists, and epidemiologists, the book delves into the material and conceptual origins of COVID-19. Spanning from the depths of Yunnan to the boardrooms of New York City, this comprehensive work offers a compelling diagnosis of the roots of COVID-19 and a stark prognosis of what may lie ahead if further intervention is not taken.

The pandemic has exposed the interconnectedness of global capital and deforestation, which have played a significant role in exposing humans to new pathogens. The book highlights the role of development and urbanization in creating the conditions that allowed the virus to thrive. It emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to address the pandemic, considering not only the health implications but also the environmental and social factors that contribute to its spread.

The authors argue that the origins of COVID-19 can be traced back to the expansion of capitalism and the relentless pursuit of economic growth. The relentless deforestation of vast tracts of land, driven by the demand for resources such as timber, palm oil, and soybeans, has disrupted ecosystems and created habitats for wildlife that serve as reservoirs for viruses. The encroachment of human activities into these natural habitats has increased the risk of viral transmission, leading to the emergence of new diseases.

Furthermore, the book explores the political and economic factors that have contributed to the inadequate response to the pandemic. It highlights the power of corporations and the influence they wield over governments, as well as the lack of transparency and accountability in decision-making processes. The authors argue that the pandemic has exposed the flaws in the global healthcare system and the need for a more equitable and sustainable approach to healthcare provision.

Dead Epidemiologists also raises important ethical questions about the responsibility of scientists and researchers in the face of a global health crisis. It questions the role of scientific institutions and funding bodies in prioritizing research that aligns with corporate interests rather than public health needs. The book calls for a shift in the way of scientific research, towards a more independent and interdisciplinary approach that prioritizes the well-being of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the interconnectedness of global capital, deforestation, and the emergence of new infectious diseases. Dead Epidemiologists provides a compelling diagnosis of the roots of COVID-19 and a stark prognosis of what may lie ahead if further intervention is not taken. The book calls for a holistic approach to address the pandemic, considering the environmental, social, and health implications. It also raises important ethical questions about the responsibility of scientists and researchers in the face of a global health crisis and advocates for a shift in the way of scientific research towards a more independent and interdisciplinary approach. By understanding the origins of COVID-19 and the factors that contributed to its spread, we can work towards a more resilient and sustainable future.

Weight: 302g
Dimension: 209 x 144 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781583679029