On May 24, WWF and GlobeScan released the results of the most comprehensive research to date in the US and Asia on public understanding and perceptions about pandemics and their connection to wildlife trade and deforestation.
Given COVID-19’s origin as a zoonotic disease – one that spreads from animals to humans – people’s perceptions and behavior around the purchase of wild animals as food, pets and luxury items are of particular interest to monitor during this time.
In early 2021, WWF and GlobeScan conducted an indepth follow-up study to one conducted in 2020 to assess understanding about wildlife consumption as the root cause of the pandemic. This study looks at five countries: China, Myanmar, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam. We also delved into perceptions regarding what needs to be done to prevent future pandemics, and we looked at the public’s understanding of other root causes, including deforestation. We wanted to understand whether consumers in deeply affected countries are supportive of government action to prevent zoonotic outbreaks at the source.
On 27 May 2021, we hosted the launch webinar with the following panelists who shared their valuable insight:
- Jan Vertefeuille, Senior Advisor of Advocacy, WWF US
- Jesse Taweekan, Program Manager of Illegal Wildlife Trade, WWF Greater Mekong
- Annika Terrana, Manager of Corporate Engagement, Forests, WWF
- Anny Liang, Project Coordinator, WWF
- Wander Meijer, Senior Advisor, GlobeScan
- Daniel Bergin, Senior Project Manager, GlobeScan
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