Angry Rant: We need a green recovery post COVID-19

Coronavirus has shaken the world; it’s deepened the cracks in our glass society. The striking issues of strained healthcare systems, social inequality and poverty need to be resolved before they further shatter. It’s critical to think about our roles in the world, the consequences of our indulgences and what we can do to take less and give more.

One notable positive outcome amidst the pandemic has been the improvement in pollution levels. However, an economic shutdown and such a drastic lifestyle change are not sustainable in an ideal world. Moreover, we will not remain in a state of zombie apocalypse forever, so pollution levels are bound to increase significantly once we recover. The climate crisis is not only likely to intensify post-coronavirus but is also creeping through the fissures of our daily lives and the current crisis we are facing.

Although air pollution levels have decreased, this does not mean that the current levels are harmless. Even at these reduced rates, there have been reports linking air pollution to higher death rates among COVID-19 patients. Studies have reinforced that polluted air contributes to respiratory issues, which can be fatal when combined with COVID-19 symptoms. Currently, there is scientific speculation regarding the connection between COVID-19 and the climate crisis. The climate crisis not only has the potential to be a contributing cause but also serves as a definite exacerbating factor for present and future viruses. Even phenomena like deforestation are correlated with our own downfall; when animals are forced to seek refuge closer to human populations, the risks of zoonotic viruses making cross-species jumps increase.

The climate crisis and the notorious COVID-19 are intertwined. In fact, the climate crisis stimulates the emergence of such pandemics. So, why isn't more being done? If the climate crisis is globally supported by scientists and recognised as humanity's greatest threat, why have climate change policies been sluggishly implemented, unlike the swift action taken against COVID-19? Policy changes for climate restoration would have caused less economic, social, and cultural disruption than what we currently endure. The UK, for instance, has even delayed its plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It is peculiar that this urgent reckoning has been sidelined, considering that climate change action is less costly than inaction. While the reduction of climate change entails substantial costs, the economic toll of inaction (despite denial) will burden taxpayers with trillions of pounds for recovery.

Climate change will disproportionately affect the world's poorest populations. According to the World Bank, by 2030, around 100 million people face a significant risk of extreme poverty due to rising temperatures and floods. Despite our hyper-connected world, the detrimental effects of strained healthcare systems, unequal opportunities, and financial hardships (highlighted by COVID-19) will persist (or just get worse) unless profound changes are initiated.

In the post-coronavirus era, what should be our priorities to prevent a recurrence of such events, or even worse? How do we envision the future of humanity? Where should we invest to avoid an unsustainable recovery? We can choose to live in harmony with nature and adopt sustainable practices by making different, less materialistic choices each day. COVID-19 has compelled the world to reassess who and what is truly important to us. What is crucial for our everyday functioning is no longer the same as before. Our priorities have shifted, and we can carry this lesson forward to prevent further collective harm to the world.