As the covid-19 situation worsens, host Tom Standage explores what the pandemic reveals about the perils of prediction and what other future threats we might be overlooking. Also, what a simulation of a future mission to Mars could teach us about self-isolation on Earth today. And, the hit video game “Plague, Inc” is teaching players about the dynamics of pandemics—and how to stop them.

Music by Chris Zabriskie "Candlepower" (CC by 4.0)

Please subscribe to The Economist for full access to print, digital and audio editions:

www.economist.com/radiooffer or here for The World in 2020