How the COVID-19 Response Gives Me Hope for Community Spirit in a Climate Emergency
This isn’t a conservation focused blog as such, but more how I’ve seen the collaborative potential of people in achieving a common goal. I’ve felt somewhat comforted by the human response I’ve seen taking shape around me during the current global pandemic. London, where I live, has seen an emergence of local groups being set up to coordinate support efforts for people who are struggling in this time of uncertainty, sacrifice, and isolation. Almost as if the COVID-19 outbreak has awakened a sleeping urge in our communities to connect with and help others.
Of course, the obligatory Twitter trolling and viral social media ‘challenges’ have found their way into the coronavirus conversation but arising from grassroots are people setting up movements with real tangible benefits to society. I’ve experienced neighbourhood communities joining together with local MPs, borough councils, and charities to help the most vulnerable in surviving yet another blow to their daily lives. More than 750,000 people have signed up to be NHS volunteers, experienced organisations are offering advice and support to newly formed volunteer groups, and neighbours are posting notes through letterboxes offering to shop for others and care for beloved pets. I’ve even become aware of a fantastic online service which delivers items from food bank wish-lists straight to the centres via your donations. I hope you’ve seen similar situations around you in which you can feel a cooperative and compassionate atmosphere strengthening. Yes, there’s been the worst of human nature rearing its ugly head, but I’ve found that all is not lost as human decency prevails.
The recent ramping up in restrictions has also provided conditions for us to contemplate on what industries, sectors, and roles are key in a society during a global crisis. This is something we will need to take note of in preparation for a changing climate. I do believe we’ll act on climate change before it’s too late, much the same as some endangered species may now be saved from extinction through tighter wildlife trading controls born from the ashes of COVID-19. However, we may have to wait for more international scale devastation to happen before truly effective environmental regulations kick in, but at least there’s hope that it’s possible. In today’s case the goal is controlling the spread of a viral infection. However, when this outbreak has been suppressed (which surely it will be), our need to act on the climate crisis will not have disappeared. The rate at which nations have reached the point of lockdown to help control the corona virus pandemic has been mixed, but the principle of restricting activities on a mass-scale does demonstrate how serious changes to our livelihoods could function as we start to feel climatic shock waves.
I have faith knowing that whatever environmental challenge presents itself in the future, I’m currently experiencing a societal reaction of compassion in reaching out to help one another. I’ve listened to the state uncharacteristically make funds available for those who are struggling and set regulatory restrictions on activities which lead to more harm. I’ve found an acceptance by the masses that selfish tendencies can have negative effects on others who lose out unnecessarily, understanding that the sum of all our personal actions can have positive impacts on a major scale.
Recent efforts have shown us all that the status quo can be shifted in the short term to protect us long term; a turbulent yet promising reality which can be used to prepare for the environmental challenges which lay ahead. This idea of society shifting from “me to we” is powerful, and it’s a movement that gives me hope for behaviour change in the face of a global climate emergency.
James Raymond
Comments