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The globe is overwhelmed with coronavirus cases and other priorities have been shuffled. Even though pollution and emissions have dropped, many people have stopped focusing on climate change response.

Bill Gates shared that he thinks efforts to help the coronavirus pandemic will ultimately help with climate change. Gates, the founder of Microsoft and noted philanthropist, has done extensive work in both disease eradication and climate change.

In a live-streamed conversation with TED’s Chris Anderson, Gates‘ shared his thoughts. “That idea of innovation and science and the world working together — that is totally common between these two problems, and so I don’t think this has to be a huge set back for climate,” he told Anderson.

Much of the coronavirus response is scientists, politicians and government officials using data for decision making. Gates hopes the same cooperation carries over to climate change, “In the science side and data sharing side, you see this great cooperation going on.”

According to CNBC, Gates announced in February that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation would contribute up to $100 million to help the pandemic. Gates remains optimistic about scientists work on the pandemic.

″[T]he amount of innovation, the way we can connect up and work together. Yes, I’m super positive about that. I love my work because I see progress on all these diseases all the time. Now we have to turn an focus on this…. but you know the message for me — although it’s very sober when we’re dealing with this epidemic — you know I’m very positive that this should draw us together. We will get out of this and then we will get ready for the next epidemic,” Gates told Anderson during their conversation.

Watch their full conversation below:

Read more about protecting yourself from coronavirus. Check the CDC website for more information on how to protect yourself and check our latest article to learn how COVID-19 differs from the flu.

Scientists believe that the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus, started at an exotic animal market in Wuhan, China. You can help stop the incidence of viruses like these by signing this petition to ban the wildlife trade.

Consider eating fewer animal products to stay healthy at this time. Eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental wellbeing, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, prostate cancer and has many side effects.

Interested in joining the dairy-free and meatless train? We highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Catch up on our latest coronavirus coverage in One Green Planet, check out these articles:

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