For most, the idea of a routine has disintegrated, the economy is measured as an uncertain terrain and ultimately the new normal is that there is no normal. You glance out the window and it looks like a peaceful spring Sunday, with restaurants and cafes closed - but it’s a pandemic in full force. The word of the year is doubtlessly ‘unprecedented’, however this does not mean the pandemic was unpredicted. We were warned, and of course plodded on with the blinders intact, initially ignoring the World Economic Forum’s annual global risk reports (regarding the risk/likelihood of pandemics and infectious diseases), and later ignoring the incoming ‘act now’ language used by the World Health Organisation. Even in the UK our action could be considered slow compared to New Zealand or Republic of Ireland, however it was and still is belligerent.
The plunge in international travel and ‘stay at home’ mantra is responsible for some positive news; our greenhouse gas emissions are dramatically reduced. Promising statistics have been reported around the world, and even though we are likely to rebound post-pandemic, there are some transitory carbon-reducing actions that may pose longevity. The cautionary tale of Coronavirus that rocked 2020 is one we can learn from.
The Role of the Government:
The virus has forced the hand of political leaders, changing the attitudes of the most cynical of rulers to put procedures in place to deal with managing spread. We have distinctly seen that it is up to the government to officiate unambiguous protocol and policies - people will not act without it.
Investing in an uncertain economy:
Both in the private and public sector, there is endless donations and investment in research for finding a vaccine, supporting businesses and assisting those on the front line. This tactic could work in funding low carbon infrastructures, for example, investing in research for carbon capture or free online training for green-sector work.
Supporting society:
People are less likely to rebel against the problem if they know they will receive support, much like the schools remaining open for children of key workers, or the ‘NHS only’ supermarket hours. Educating and informing both adults and young people on the climate crisis will reduce resistance in society. Community concerns should be heard to allow official advice and help from leaders.
Office logistics:
With some saying the function of the office has transformed forever, working from home has leapfrogged its way into our lives. With some exceptions, this is indeed a more efficient and flexible way to execute the daily grind, permitting better time management and less travel expenses. The fall in international travel for meetings has resulted in video-call alternatives, shedding a light on unnecessary plane journeys. If businesses appreciate the perks of current implementations, they could introduce more permanent measures, resulting in a smaller carbon footprint for workers.
Ignorance is not bliss:
We know that earlier action could have reduced the Covid ramifications, and have seen that neglect is not the answer. The problem with this is that it’s hard to appreciate the scale of a disaster that never came to fruition. Solutions to a visible problem are usually rewarded, not prevention. We need to move to mitigation and adaption strategies now rather than waiting for the 100-year flood to hit and ruin our homes and consume lives. However, it seems leaders are afraid of doing the wrong thing with no pay off, more than they are of doing nothing at all.
International trade slow down:
The lack of global movement is proving nations need to be more self-sufficient and less dependent on international supply. If this is in fact the new-normal, securing vulnerabilities such as stress on supply and demand will need addressed. The shift towards independence could conclude a decrease in transnational logistics, and therefore reduction of oil demand.
Significance of immediate action:
Ultimately, the speedy-action route is a valuable one. The fundamentals are parallel in Covid and Climate: If you wait to see the consequences it’s already too late. The main difference for Coronavirus is that there will be a vaccine, something that comes after-the-fact that can save lives and abolish the virus. Regrettably, the same cannot be said for the climate crisis which is why immediate action is vital to homosapien existence. When the virus ends, we can learn from our participation and apply constructive alterations from lessons learned. The tipping point is looming in the not so distant future and it is on us to act now.