Sunday 29 March 2020

Coronavirus - The upside of Annus Horribilis

I think this year can truly be described as Annus Horribilis globally.  Interestingly, during a conversation about a month or so before the Coronavirus emerged in Wuhan. I was discussing the effects of climate change, and the disaster that the human race was inflicting on the Planet by our lack of action on the matter.  During the conversation I said "we ( the human race) were determined to wipe ourselves out one way or another, and that nature will probably produce a virus or bug that we we'll have no defence against, most likely from China that will go round the globe like a dose of salts."  That predication has come pretty damn close and given me pause for deep thought !
There is another parallel that has since emerged, in so far as expert opinion predicted that around 40 million people would be effected badly by climate change due to rising sea levels etc. Some experts are predicting that 40 million could be killed by the coronavirus now !
There could be a silver lining and huge upside to this Annus horribilis, if we desire to see and act upon it .
What I find positive is the global human response to the threat of a disease, that potentially could mutate and wipe us out. The astronomical sums of money in the billions and trillions, being used to fight this threat to our survival. This is proof positive, that if taken seriously, any global threat recognised by the powers that be, could be tackled with money and change of lifestyle no object !
I did a posting back in January on how to tackle Climate change  The current crisis adds weight to my argument, as we have shown that global crisis can be tackled. The politicians have asked us all to behave in a certain way to beat this virus, in our billions we have collectively complied with their requests. Is it too much to ask that they in turn listen to the science and experts on tackling climate change ?  The sight of thousands of animals being burned to death in Australia was haunting, it is reckoned that a billion died during the bushfires. 




Just take a look at the before and after photo's of Kangaroo Island Australia - shocking ! 
Surely the lengths we go to save human life, should be extended to the life of the Planet and all the species on it ?
I think this current crisis will point out to many, that much of what we do and rely on is not a priority. The upside and bonus right now is cleaner air due to less pollution from transport of every kind, be it planes, trains, or buses and cars. The effect has been instantly noticeable and literally a breath of fresh air. The poorer countries have to be shielded from this virus as well, for it knows no bounds and will continue to threaten us all unless we do. I hope we learn from this pandemic, and finally start to do what's right for the entire Planet.






Finally, on a personal and positive note, after 18 days treatment, the badly injured pigeon has recovered enough to manage out of it's box on my kitchen floor,,.



where there's life there's hope ! 

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