Are there parallels between Climate Change and Coronavirus emergencies?
- In both cases catastrophes arrive relatively swiftly.
- By adopting 'wait and see' policies, most countries fail to recognize unprecedented disaster in good time.
- Powerful and destitute, rich and poor, everyone experiences some type of loss.
- Who lives and who dies? Knotty ethical problems are confronted.
- Many politicians do not see the writing on the long term wall. They push for 'business as usual' at all costs.
- Business as usual is unlikely. Adapting to necessary lifestyle changes is challenging and difficult for many to accept.
- Technology promotes community spirit but also spreads fake news and damaging conspiracy theories.
- Family support and connections between generations is more valued. Many people work from home rather than travel.
- All types of life benefit from a quieter and healthier environment with less pollution. More families grow their own fruit and vegetables.
The ultimate irony of life
The tiniest primitive invisible lifeform is now controlling the behaviour of the most arrogant powerful and evolved life form on Earth!What a beautiful lesson for humanity to be humble!
How our responses to climate change and the coronavirus are linked
From World Economic Forum - "We live in an age in which intersecting crises are being lifted to a global scale, with unseen levels of inequality, environmental degradation and climate destabilization, as well as new surges in populism, conflict, economic uncertainty, and mounting public health threats....."
The coronavirus outbreak is part of the climate change crisis
"Therefore, climate action should be central to our response to the COVID-19 pandemic....." AlJazeera's take by Vijay Kolinjivadi.
The Guardian view on the climate and coronavirus: global warnings
"Steep falls in emissions have been the pandemic's immediate effect. But what's needed is a green recovery....." Guardian Editorial