LessWrong (Curated & Popular) “Humanity Learned Almost Nothing From COVID-19” by niplav
Oct 21, 2025
Reflecting on COVID-19, the discussion reveals a troubling lack of preparedness for future pandemics. With over 6 million deaths and staggering economic losses, the skepticism about humanity's learning is palpable. There’s disappointment about unfulfilled promises for pandemic funding and a critical view of societal complacency. Niplav highlights the danger of forgetting past lessons and connects this neglect to the potential risks posed by AI. A call to individual action rounds out the conversation, urging proactive measures for a safer future.
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Pandemic Scale And Impact
- The COVID-19 pandemic caused millions of deaths, massive QALY losses, and huge economic damage worldwide.
- Niplav argues it was probably the most warlike event most people alive have experienced.
Promises Versus Funding Reality
- Governments announced big pandemic preparedness funds but largely failed to follow through.
- Promised programs in the US and EU were underfunded, neglected, or forgotten, Niplav says.
Concrete Funding Shortfalls
- Actual allocations fell far short of initial pledges across multiple programs and countries.
- Niplav lists specific shortfalls, e.g., HERO and U.S. initiatives receiving only fractions of promised funds.