The intersection between climate change, COVID-19, and future pandemics – Perspectives among American transportation network drivers

INTRODUCTION: Drivers of Transportation Network Companies (TNC) are an essential workforce that is affected by extreme weather events and high exposure risk to airborne infectious diseases due to their proximity with customers. The purpose of this study was to understand TNC drivers’ professional experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and their opinions about climate change and the development of future pandemics. METHODS: Open- and closed-ended responses were collected during TNC rides and analyzed with content analysis and descriptive statistics. RESULTS: We found more participants believed in the COVID-19 pandemic compared to participants who believed in climate change. Overall, participants were less concerned about COVID-19 than climate change. However, several participants felt that the pandemic had a positive impact on the climate system, specifically by reducing air pollution from traffic. Few participants felt that climate change could lead to the development of future pandemics. CONCLUSIONS: The TNC essential workforce could be integral for identifying transportation and public health sectors solutions for addressing the occupational health needs of an essential workforce, and response to climate change and pandemics.