By NSmith
This COVID-19 pandemic is surreal! It feels like we are actors in a scary science fiction movie that will not end. Sadly, the toll is high. Everyone has been affected. Even with the emergence of vaccines, we have a long road ahead. This experience makes us wonder what other global disaster could be lurking next.
Unfortunately, global warming and climate change comes to mind. It is happening right now. We are behind the curve. According to NOAA, the 9 warmest years on record have all occurred since 2005. “Extra heat is driving regional and seasonal temperature extremes, reducing snow cover and sea ice, intensifying heavy rainfall, and changing habitat ranges for plants and animals – expanding some and shrinking others.” Additionally, The Guardian reports that weather disasters worldwide cost 160 billion dollars in 2020. It is obvious that climate change needs to be a priority. Where to restart with this nebulous issue? Let’s start with applying some lessons we’ve learned from the pandemic.
Lesson #1: Access to Reliable Information
During this pandemic we were flooded with competing messages from government, mainstream media, social media and even family. It reeked of disinformation, conspiracies and politics. Unfortunately, it resulted in confusion and delayed response. We did not have a reliable centralized source other than Dr. Fauci (NIH). Thankfully, he provided the consistent guidance for face masks, social distancing and vaccine. He insisted that science guide the treatment path.
Similarly, there is disinformation campaign against climate change by the fossil fuel industry for many decades. They continue to fund politicians and research, create fake experts, and even cherry pick facts. Their goal is to sow doubt. For them, climate change is a hoax and that humans can’t affect it. Their central message is that climate change mitigations can hurt jobs and economy. Some fossil fuel companies are “greenwashing” by re-marketing themselves as going green without any change. Unfortunately, all of this disinformation is most prevalent on blogs posts, Facebook, Twitter and other social media. There is very little fact checking.
There is no doubt that we need to be educated about climate change since it affects all of us. So, we need to make wiser choices in accessing reliable information online. We need to read more, for ourselves. An example as such is George Washington University Public Health website. It identifies 54 reliable climate change resources including NASA and NOAA. They can be used to stay informed and educate others. As well, on the NASA website a Climate Time Machine is available. It tracks global temperatures, CO2 concentrations, sea level, and Arctic sea ice levels over numerous decades.
Lesson #2: Global Cooperation is Necessary to Resolve Global Issues
Although many of the physical borders have been closed during pandemic, the global scientific communities have been interconnected virtually. They have been sharing critical data and information about the virus, infection rates, treatment and vaccines. This collaboration has been fruitful. It has resulted in identifying effective COVID-19 treatment. So, global cooperation should not be seen as a political wedge or as over-reaction to an non-existent problem.
Likewise, the Paris Agreement is a vehicle for global cooperation for climate change. This landmark multilateral agreement is between 187 countries that have agreed to limit carbon emissions drastically to mitigate global warming by 0.5 degrees. Each country is responsible for strengthening it’s own climate change actions over a five year period. This collaboration involves scientists, environmentalists, UN, governments, and even Fortune 500 companies innovators. The multi-prong goal is to push for conservation, regulation of carbon emissions, research of alternate sustainable fuel sources, assist vulnerable countries with adaptation and provision of more green products. United States has recently rejoined Paris Agreement, with the Biden Administration. Hopefully, global climate change efforts will be more active and effective.
Lesson #3: Accept Personal Responsibility
The most important lesson learned from the pandemic is that our government can only do so much. They provided guidance, enforced restrictions, and provided minimal relief including checks and vaccines. So, personal responsibility is necessary. It is incumbent on us to stay informed, prepare, and respond accordingly. It is on us to be compliant to local ordinances. Wearing masks and social distancing not only protects ourselves, but also our families, communities and general population.
This same level of responsibility is needed for us to deal with climate change. Mahatma Ghandi once said that “We must become the change we wish to see in the world.” We can not expect everyone else to mitigate greenhouse gases without our participation. Every bit of effort helps. According to New York Times, in 2020 the greenhouse gases took 10% plunge during COVID-19 Pandemic. The lockdown contributed to decreased activities as driving and flying. Yes, our daily choices can contribute to a more environmentally friendlier, healthier, and economically sound future. We can choose today to decrease our individual carbon footprint, reduce waste, and consume items that are green, reusable and recyclable. We can also choose to be ready with our stockpiles if a climate disaster should occur.
Indeed the Pandemic has been painful! This has been an year of loss, isolation, depression, and uncertainties. But, we have been turning the corner. Thanks to science, global cooperation, and personal responsibility, there is a light under this tunnel. There is hope! Likewise, we can tackle other urgent global challenges as climate change. Even though climate change seems daunting right now, it is worth the fight.
