Scientist Predicted 'Next Human Pandemic' Back In May 2018

The prediction was made as part of a new documentary called Eating Our Way To Extinction that releases in cinemas tomorrow (16 September).

It has been narrated and executive produced by Academy Award winner Kate Winslet, and Leonardo DiCaprio has called it 'the film future generations will be wishing everyone watched today'.

Speaking in a segment recorded back in May 2018, Dr Michael Greger, an American physician known for his opposition to animal-based food, hypothesised: "When you cram tens of thousands of animals in these cramped, filthy, unhygienic conditions - basically, they live atop their faeces - it's like a breeding ground.

"Animal to human diseases [like] that arise because of the way we're now treating animals.

"Whether it's the live animal markets in East Asia, whether it's the bush meat trade, the concern is that with enough spins at genetic roulette on these swine factory farms, these chicken factory farms, we're going to end up with one of these viruses that is not only deadly to chickens, but can jump and transmit human-to-human and cause the next human pandemic."

While the exact origin of the Covid-19 virus is still debated, the World Health Organisation published a report in early 2020 - several months after identifying the virus - in which it said: "The virus which causes Covid-19 most probably has its ecological reservoir in bats, and transmission of the virus to humans has likely occurred through an intermediate animal host - a domestic animal, a wild animal or a domesticated wild animal which has not yet been identified."

While a later month-long WHO investigation in China drew the same conclusion, exactly how the SARS-Cov-2 virus first infected people isn't definitively known.

Covid-19 aside, Eating Our Way To Extinction aims to make viewers question their decisions regarding food, and where it comes from, as well as the choices made by authorities, companies, and governments around the world.

A synopsis reads: "Eating Our Wat To Extinction takes audiences on a cinematic journey around the world, from the depths of the Amazon rainforests to the Taiwanese Mountains, the Mongolian desert, the US Dust Bowl, the Norwegian Fjords and the Scottish coastlines, telling the story of our planet through shocking testimonials, poignant accounts from indigenous people most affected by our ever-changing planet, globally renowned figures and leading scientists.

"This powerful documentary sends a simple but impactful message by uncovering hard truths and addressing, on the big screen, the most pressing issue of our generation - ecological collapse.

"Confronting and entertaining, this documentary allows audiences to question their everyday choices, industry leaders and governments.

"Featuring a wealth of world-renowned contributors, including Sir Richard Branson and Tony Robbins, it has a message of hope that will empower audiences."

The documentary is in cinemas in the UK, US, and Ireland from 16 September, and will be made available on streaming platforms and digital download at a later date.