I should have put out a daily blog today, but this seems more relevant now. Not being able to make conscious decisions about what and how we live our lives is difficult.
The Coronavirus
It’s not a great scenario to have, or think about, but it does give us an opportunity to think about our lives and the way we live. The coronavirus is a wake- up call for us individually, for society and for the wider world. Not only is it shaping our world as we speak, but it is shaping our futures too.
The Coronavirus' impact on business
The coronavirus is having a significant impact on businesses and the economy – with bars, restaurants, gyms, coffee shops, pubs, retailers, and hairdressers all forced to close. Human society is being deeply affected, but what about the environment and wildlife? How is the pandemic impacting the natural world, and what can we learn from it?
The Pandemic and the 'Natural World'
Nothing and no one are is escaping the pandemic. It is affecting the natural world, with a potential huge impact on the countryside and its wildlife habitat. Chris Packham, a Naturalist, has welcomed a reduction in pollution through air travel being suspended and there being fewer cars on the road, but worried about climate change.
The Pandemic and 'Global Issues'
Fast forward and us coming through the pandemic, it is important not to forget about the global issue of climate change. It mustn't be forgotten. We need to want to change our world, change our attitudes, we need to want to do things differently, and although we can’t reverse the damage that has already been done to the environment through global warming, we can change the way we do things from here.
We Need to Start Thinking About the Environment
If we haven’t already started, we need to think seriously about the environment, the wider world, and how we live. Once we come through to the other side, we must reflect, learn, and commit to change. If we don’t, we risk continuing down the same path, harming both ourselves and the planet.
We Should Want to Make a Difference
As we navigate the pandemic, we should reflect on our place in the world and the impact we have. With less air travel and fewer cars on the road, the skies are clearing, air pollution is decreasing, and the air feels cleaner. This benefits not just us but also wildlife, leading to fewer respiratory issues like asthma.
We must be willing to change – rethinking how we travel and how we live. The coronavirus is a reminder of the need for reflection and growth. As we move forward, we should strive to be more selfless, empathetic, compassionate, and caring, shaping a better future for ourselves and the planet.
Thank you for your level of thinking, as we need rational voices to help us survive these turbulent times.
The Coronavirus is an enemy that must be defeated quickly, deep down I believe we can do that.
Thanks Tim. You're welcome. Yes, I believe we can too. The Coronavirus is invisible and deadly.
I hope the message is now filtering through and people will self-isolate. We must all continue to do our bit to reduce its impact on the world. Governments and countries must now work together for the greater good.
Now I know why things feel familiar right now, seeing as this was pretty much how I grew up. There was always one crisis or another going on.
We had to deal with that kind of insanity on a daily basis, so it isn't fazing me quite as much as it is with everyone else. The biggest issue I can see is that whilst the majority of people are willing to take the necessary precautions, there are those who obviously refuse, even though it's in their own best interest.
These 'rebels without a clue' as I like to call them, are the reason that the virus isn't going away very quickly. My girlfriend gets annoyed when I say that she's being ridiculous by doing things like disinfecting grocery bags before they come into the house, but that isn't going to be what gets us.
She was actually exposed to a client from her work that came from a nursing home where they had a confirmed case of the virus, so that will more likely be the case.
Thanks Randy. Yes, although being in contact with someone who has the virus is a risk, anything you touch is potentially a risk too, so your girlfriend is right to disinfect things she comes into contact with, sorry!
I am doing the same here. But I'm pleased you're not finding it daunting. The enormity of what the world is dealing with is colossal. I'm stilling trying to get my head around us losing our liberty, not being able to go out uniformly, even a walk at this time is proving difficult.
I agree with you though, those who are selfishly ignoring their governments are putting more of us at risk and that must stop, now, today.
Keep yourself safe and well. My thoughts are with my CP Diary family and those fighting the virus.
We have seen many pandemics before, but I cannot recall one that is affecting most countries in the world. The question is what will the world be like when it's over and how will our behaviour change to learn its lessons.
It remains to be seen how history will record our efforts, but it is within our gift to change things and change things dramatically.
Thank you. Yes, your last paragraph sums up your response beautifully. Given what we have at the moment, particularly with the UK, history will not be kind.
That said there are EU countries who are taking the pandemic seriously and they will be judged favourably. Since what the world is dealing with is a world problem it's important ALL countries work together.
No is not the time to become blaze, or egotistical about how great people are. It's about everyone working together and pulling their weight in times of a crisis.
Lessons are not being learned that much is clear.