Natural pandemics and new scientifically engineered pathogens could potentially kill millions or even billions of people. Future progress in synthetic biology is likely to increase the risk and severity of pandemics from engineered pathogens. These risks could be substantially reduced through regulating potentially dangerous research, improving early detection systems and developing better international emergency response plans.| 80,000 Hours
COVID-19 is a vivid reminder that we are underprepared to deal with biological threats.| 80,000 Hours