Coronavirus and Climate Change : Now and Later

Why these two crises stand shoulder to shoulder?

Earth wearing mask (Source: eeas.europa.eu)

The outbreak of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) has put the whole world on hold with its unpredictable outcome. Countries following each others example, started to postpone or cancel large events, shut down educational institutions, malls, gyms, theaters, cinemas and other crowded places, in order to contain the virus and prevent its further spread. Surprisingly enough, who would've thought that the rapid effect of an unknown disease can have such a significant impact on our daily lives? Only four months ago the world audiences were focused on just one global crisis and it was climate change. Although right since the first discovered case, Covid-19 has drawn all eyes on itself.

Before finding the reason for this sudden shift, we must understand both coronavirus and climate change and draw a comparison. The main difference between them is directly linked to the speed, nature and the time factor of their impact. Coronavirus is an extremely contagious disease causing severe acute respiratory syndrome, resulting in death around the globe, which numbers in fact, are rising up to this day. For its rapid and serious outcomes, WHO (World Health Organisation) has declared coronavirus as a pandemic. Conversely, climate change is a cumulative impact of greenhouse gases caused by human activity, which ultimately will precipitate a global crisis. The outcome can be unparalleled to anything happened to the humanity. Melting ice is not only depriving hundreds of communities of their homelands, it can even reveal old and even more life threatening viruses than coronavirus. But it's decades away. Considering the time factor, it becomes clear why coronavirus crisis has taken precedence over climate change.

Having said that, the effect of coronavirus also has the other side of a medal, which actually is a silver lining in the ongoing climate crisis.

Therefore, the question arises, "How can the virus outbreak have a positive impact on the Ecology?"

It surely can and in fact, coronavirus is an ideal tool in the way of restoring what's been left of the ecology at the moment. Don't get me wrong, the global outbreak of the disease is never a positive occurrence to deal with the current problems. But just this once let's put all the panic in the face of the unknown and all the negativity aside and take the rough with the smooth. There's never been an absolute right or wrong and every antagonist has its best intentions. Rarely has anything caused such immediate plunge in greenhouse gas emissions. Just two months of imposed travel bans, closed borders, temporary close of factories, self-isolation and all other factors have led to sharp fall in China's and Italy's CO2 emissions. Other countries closing borders and imposing quarantine due to ongoing spread of the virus will also benefit from the decision. Although it is a double edged sword and the measures adopted during coronavirus can easily be left behind after they're lifted. It means we might have two post-coronavirus scenarios, back to old habits or more conscious world.

Back to old habits

Health crisis is not the only concern that needs to be managed. Economic crisis and social crisis have also become a part of the whole picture. Global economy continues to take a serious hit at this stage and it's no-brainer that the damage is tremendous. In fact, its consequences can be compared to, if not exceed the 2008-2009 crisis. Limping economy means limping social welfare, that leads to low wages and poverty. So with the currents facts stated, the expected scenario is doubled and even tripled intensity of production, by using more factories, consuming excessive amount of energy, fossil fuels and producing more oil. Adding that, with low or no income, people will prefer buying cheaper non-eco friendly products to more costly green products.

Moreover, the intensity of travelling may rise sharply due to long lasting self-isolation. Whether it's a rescheduled trip or an impulsive decision - rising appetite for adventures, it will no doubt result in rebound in CO2 emissions.

More conscious world

What if we get used to a slow rhythm existence and apply our experience of living with essentials to the post coronavirus stage of our lives? While the global economy has ground to a halt, governments could review their usage of non renewable energy and consider shifting to its renewable alternatives.

Nature has been given a second chance to restore itself. Siberia, Amazon, Australia are recovering more rapidly after massive wildfires. Imposed stricter bans on wildlife trade, due to the zoonotic nature of Covid-19, can bring critically endangered animals, such as pangolins back from the brink of extinction.

Current behavioural changes taking place around the world can lead to the formation of lasting habits. Never before have remote work, distance learning and other activities been considered mandatory. Subsequently most businesses could realise that travelling abroad isn't necessary, as some meetings can be held online and are just one click away.

Acquiring the habit of eating in smaller portions, due to a food shortage would be especially useful in cutting down on food waste and consuming responsibly. The drop in the amount of food demand, would save water, land and clean air.

People learn to cherish the time spent with their families and find home quite an interesting area of activity, where nothing can stop a creative mind. All these small habits that we've developed during the lockdown, are actually pushing us to take another look at our daily decisions, values and what we deem essential.

Today changes have become an inevitable part of our lives. They affect our behaviour and the way we think, even when we're at home behind the closed doors. It is up to every individual to choose one of the aforementioned scenarios they want to live in. Although it's important to note that no one would pick this turn of events to start contemplating the future. Still we can make the best use of our time at home and compare all pros and cons. Because the current situation shouldn't undermine the existing climate emergency.