Coronavirus

The coronavirus is causing havock in the lives of so many people across the globe. At its worst many people are getting sick and some are dying. Whenever someone gets a cough or runny nose the question surfaces: could it be coronavirus? Also, public events including sports and entertainment are being postponed or cancelled, as well as tourism being effected. Cultural institutions like libraries, museums, and art centres are closing for a time. Restaraunts may have to close. There is uncertainty of about whether schools should close. There is panic buying of groceries, and of course toilet paper! Many businesses, families, and individuals are feeling the economic pinch. The coronavirus is certainly causing havock and the suffering of many is not to be diminished.

At the same time, an article on the coronavirus by Leila Dregger (on behalf of the Tamera community) caught my imagination. Below is an except from the article:

“Things are happening today that no one else has been able to achieve, not the climate strikes or environmental actions of recent years, nor the UN in all its years of existence, nor all the efforts, threats, appeals, movements and scientists, nor the Pope or other authorities. Now we’re seeing determined, rigorous action across all continents. Industry, tourism, education, sports... Large areas of public life in many countries of the world have been locked down. Humanity is on pause. And suddenly, the skies over China and northern Italy are clearing up again – air pollution is decreasing dramatically – people stay at home and finally have time for themselves, to reflect and contemplate, think about what is essential, be with their children and the people close to them. In Italy, they’re singing to each other from windows and balconies.”

As a global community we have had to act swiftly and decisively. May we learn some lessons from living through the coronavirus - lessons that we take into a future of living responsibly with climate change.