The COVID-19 pandemic is estimated to cost between $8.1 and $15.8 trillion globally, while preventing new pandemics by reducing transmission from tropical forests would cost between $22.2 and $30.7 billion each year, according to new research. The destruction of tropical forests has led to the emergence of new diseases, such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has infected over 15 million people worldwide. The researchers propose investing in wildlife trade monitoring programs, ending the wild meat trade in China, reducing deforestation, and fighting disease transmission from wild animals to livestock to prevent future pandemics.