The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is challenging the current public health emergency response systems (PHERSs) of many countries. Although environmental factors, such as those influencing the survival of viruses and their transmission between species including humans, play important roles in PHERSs, little attention has been given to these factors. This study describes and elucidates the roles of environmental factors in future PHERSs. To improve countries’ capability to respond to public health emergencies associated with viral infections such as the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of environmental factors should be considered before, during, and after the responses to such emergencies. More specifically, to prevent pandemic outbreaks, we should strengthen environmental and wildlife protection, conduct detailed viral surveillance in animals and hotspots, and improve early-warning systems. During the pandemic, we must study the impacts of environmental factors on viral behaviors, develop control measures to minimize secondary environmental risks, and conduct timely assessments of viral risks and secondary environmental effects with a view to reducing the impacts of the pandemic on human health and on ecosystems. After the pandemic, we should further strengthen surveillance for viruses and the prevention of viral spread, maintain control measures for minimizing secondary environmental risks, develop our capability to scientifically predict pandemics and resurgences, and prepare for the next unexpected resurgence. Meanwhile, we should restore the normal life and production of the public based on the “One Health” concept, that views global human and environmental health as inextricably linked. Our recommendations are essential for improving nations’ capability to respond to global public health emergencies.

2019 年冠状病毒病 (COVID-19) 大流行正在挑战许多国家当前的公共卫生应急响应系统 (PHERS)。尽管环境因素，例如影响病毒存活及其在包括人类在内的物种之间传播的因素，在 PHERS 中发挥着重要作用，但对这些因素的关注很少。本研究描述并阐明了环境因素在未来 PHERS 中的作用。为了提高各国应对与病毒感染相关的突发公共卫生事件（例如 COVID-19 大流行）的能力，应在应对此类突发事件之前、期间和之后考虑许多环境因素。更具体地说，为了防止大流行病爆发，我们应该加强环境和野生动物保护，对动物和热点地区进行详细的病毒监测，并完善预警系统。疫情期间，要研究环境因素对病毒行为的影响，制定控制措施，尽量减少次生环境风险，及时评估病毒风险和次生环境影响，减少疫情对人类健康和环境的影响。关于生态系统。疫情结束后，要进一步加强病毒监测和病毒传播预防，坚持把次生环境风险控制在最低限度，培养科学预测疫情和疫情反弹的能力，为下一次突发疫情做好准备。同时，要以“一个健康”的理念，恢复公众正常的生活和生产，这认为全球人类和环境健康密不可分。我们的建议对于提高各国应对全球突发公共卫生事件的能力至关重要。