Ebola Outbreaks Linked to Deforestation and Mineral Demand
A disease of deforestation: how Ebola is linked to the smartphone in your pocket
Image: The Guardian
Recent Ebola outbreaks, including the current one in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, are increasingly linked to deforestation driven by the demand for minerals used in technology. As forests are cleared, the proximity between humans and virus-carrying bats increases, heightening the risk of transmission.
- 01The 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa infected over 28,000 people, while the current outbreak in DRC has caused 363 confirmed cases.
- 02Deforestation in Central Africa correlates with a 20% to 40% increase in malaria and Ebola incidence for every percent of forest lost.
- 03Artisanal mining in DRC employs about 2 million people, with over 30% of local households engaged in this activity.
- 04The DRC is rich in minerals like cobalt and copper, yet much of its mineral wealth remains untapped due to political instability.
- 05Preventing future outbreaks requires addressing the ecological disruptions caused by deforestation and mining activities.
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Ebola outbreaks have escalated significantly since the virus was first identified in 1976, with the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda highlighting a troubling trend. Recent research indicates that the surge in Ebola cases is closely tied to deforestation driven by the global demand for minerals essential for technology, including smartphones. As forests are cleared, bats, the primary hosts of the Ebola virus, are forced into closer contact with human populations, increasing transmission risks. For instance, a 2025 analysis revealed that each percent increase in deforestation correlates with a 20% to 40% rise in malaria and Ebola cases. The DRC, home to vast mineral resources, faces a dual challenge: the need for sustainable livelihoods and the ecological balance necessary to prevent disease outbreaks. Artisanal mining, which employs millions, exacerbates deforestation and disrupts local ecosystems, further heightening the risk of viral spillover. To combat future epidemics, experts stress the importance of protecting ecosystems and addressing the socio-economic drivers of deforestation.
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The rising incidence of Ebola and malaria due to deforestation directly affects local communities in the DRC and Uganda, increasing health risks and straining healthcare systems.
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