The rise of the 21^st century has seen the presentation of several emerging infectious diseases due to both known and novel pathogens. Amongst these causative agents of infection, are RNA viruses, several of which have led to diseases afforded pandemic status. Elements which allow RNA viruses to be such successful agents of disease are many. The genetic superiority RNA viruses have over other pathogens, through the actions of genomic recombination and reassortment and the general lack of genetic proofreading function is described to be the key factor in driving RNA virus pathogenicity. It is also becoming increasingly apparent that mankind is a driving force behind the emergence and transmission of RNA viruses within the human population, through influencing environmental factors of disease emergence, such as contributing to global warming, impacting on animal and vector host migration and through anthropogenic activities, such as promoting international travel and inducing urban growth. This review will assess the factors contributing to the emergence and transmission of RNA viruses and explore the role humans have in driving RNA virus disease transmission. It will also evaluate the current approaches which have been implemented to tackle this growing threat and suggest various strategies which should be globally employed to prevent the incidence of any future RNA virus pandemics.