Because might there be a silver lining?
CLEARING FACT
The visible cloud of toxic gas hanging over Chinese industrial powerhouses has almost disappeared.
The world has turned upside down. We’re all trying to take it in, wondering if it can even be for real. And in the midst of our worry…for the people we love, our incomes, our children’s education…many of us are asking if it’s actually a good thing for planet earth. We were too, so we got to investigating…
There are already reports of cleaner air over China, Hong Kong and Italy, with China’s emissions down by 25% in just two weeks!! As the rest of the world locks down, it’s likely to have an impact on global emissions for this year, that’s good right? Turns out, it’s not quite so simple. Rats. Here are some of the dependencies…
First, how the governments around the world try to restart their economies after the pandemic subsides, will be crucial. After prior crises (eg the 2008 global financial crisis), there’s been an overall increase in global emissions, as economic recovery takes precedence over the environment.
Second, with the financial markets reeling, current major infrastructure projects for clean energy are stalling and low carbon investments coming under threat. We could, for example, see the world’s solar power growth fall for the first time since the 1980s.
Third, the freeze on travel, could impact the diplomatic negotiation groundwork ahead of the critical climate summit (COP 26) in November and put it in jeopardy.
It could go that way. Or, governments could use it, to act on new climate policies, scale back fossil fuel subsidies, impose strict aviation emission reductions, invest in cleaner sectors, and take the climate bull by the horns. It could potentially permanently change our work and transportation habits, and reduce oil demand over time. It’s already seeing our communities coming together and supporting each other in ways we haven’t before. António Guterres, the secretary general of the UN, has just called for a global ceasefire. Perhaps by feeling globally deeply connected, we’ll start to think about what’s best for humanity as a whole. Perhaps by facing this pandemic, we’ll be reminded of just how precious life is and appreciate every moment with each other and all that we have.
Here we are, standing on the cusp of an opportunity to create the radical change needed to tackle global warming and re-imagine the way we live. Will the world seize it?
So, what’s your silver lining?
To learn something? To rest and reset? To have not killed the kids?! To live simpler with less? What’s the habit or shift you’re making that you want to keep?
Tell us how it is for you, on our socials or comment below. And especially…is there something you’re proud of, big or small (a tomato seedling planted, no left-overs wasted)? Email us, so we can feature you on our Weekly Shout Out. Everyone loves it and it’s a real boost, don’t be shy!
We…
Aimee: Now I'm not commuting, my goal is to dedicate that time every day to my physical and mental health. Knowing my tendency for over ambitious goals, this could easily become ‘I’m going to train for an Ironman or become a Buddhist monk’. So I'm deliberately going to take this slowly. I’m committing to practice mindfulness for 10-15 minutes everyday - I’ve picked the Calm app to help. I’ll be Zen-like through this crisis…which, incidentally, will help me stop ranting about how the governments couldn’t find a fiver down the back of a sofa for climate change, but now…!
Sonia: I do think the planet needs this. If it affected someone I love, I’m not sure I’d be saying that. So my new habit is every day to phone someone who I haven’t spoken to in a while! And through it all, my hope is that as many of us as possible are safe, that the world wakes up, and we come together as one. Call me Lennon. Just don’t nick my loo roll.
“And breathe”
Photo: Francesco Casalino