A pandemic is a global outbreak of infectious disease, often airborne and highly contagious.
Urban density and global travel make rapid spread almost inevitable.
Historical pandemics like the Black Death and COVID-19 show how vulnerable we are.
A highly lethal airborne virus could push humanity to the brink.
Experts warn that the world is unprepared for the next pandemic.
Modern infrastructure may accelerate spread rather than contain it.
Pandemics affect humans most, but ripple effects impact ecosystems too.
CNN, Harvard Business Review, The Guardian
