The next casualty of global heating is cognac.

I don't think this qualifies as a disaster, though some will surely miss it. I mention it as an example of the wide variety of things that will be lost.

*[Western Sahara] independence movement lodges documents in high court arguing $45bn fund invests in illegally mined fertiliser.*

Some African countries are banning travel from Europe to keep travellers from bringing Covid-19.

Unfortunately, it won't make much difference in most countries, as the virus is already spreading in them. Most of Africa won't have the medical capacity to keep the epidemic's spread in check.

Covid-19 could wipe out the theater. And all restaurants, all art galleries, and all artists. Also all bands, all symphonies, all concert halls and all music cafes.

Is it better to treat Covid-19 as a kind of fire, to be extinguished, or as a tide, that will wash over and recede?

The article says no one can be sure, and I suppose in general that is true. My point is that it depends on the circumstances in each country. Some countries are in a position to act quickly and thoroughly; they have come close to extinguishing the epidemic. Other countries can't do this.