From one global crisis to another: Learning from Covid-19 to tackle climate change

Author: Kerry Silva McPherson

Barring some glaring exceptions, I’m rather impressed with the US’s reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. After witnessing climate change denial, flat earth theory, and the anti-vax movement, I didn’t have faith that the American public would be proactive about a viral pandemic.

I was certainly proven wrong (again, with blatant exceptions). To slow disease spread, the CDC advised the public to take preventative measures, and Americans listened. Well before state and federal governments mandated school and business closings, the private sector acted. Professional sports, Broadway, and movie theaters canceled games and shows, voluntarily forfeiting profits for the sake of public safety. Colleges and universities prudently moved classrooms online before governors announced mandatory cancellations.

Clearly, we are capable of putting aside comfort, money, and ambition for the security of public health, so why are we not willing to do the same when it comes to climate change? Our health and safety are not only at risk due to Covid-19, climate change is an ever-present threat to human health, and it’s time for action.  

Flattening the global temperature curve.​

Image credit: Nasa

With a 1°C increase of the earth’s temperature, 2019 was the second hottest year on record. 1.0°C may seem trivial, but the United Nations predicts another half-degree of warming could be catastrophic in terms of coastal flooding, droughts, and heatwaves. When Covid-19 cases were low in number, the importance of social distancing, telecommuting, and hand washing was understood. Similar to Covid-19, the sooner we act to mitigate climate change, the more damage we avoid. And like the pandemic, we do not have to wait for the government to layout regulations.

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: When trying to be green, our first effort is often to recycle more. But before sorting your plastic, paper, and glass, consider buying less disposable material. When reduce and reuse fails, recycle properly. You can even “recycle” food scraps by composting.
2. Pressure companies to make environmentally conscious decisions: As a consumer, you have influence. Research the products you buy. Be sure to purchase goods made from sustainable sources and shop at stores that have environmentally friendly initiatives. You can also purchase products with sustainability labels: FSC label – paper products from sustainable forests. MSC label— seafood from sustainable fishing practices.
3. Raise your voice: Social media is a powerful tool; use it wisely. Tweet out environmentally-friendly habits. Air grievances to companies and politicians that do not support climate change policy. Congratulate and promote businesses with green initiatives.
4. Advocate for science-based policy: Government might be slow to respond to our planet’s needs, but as citizens in a social contract with our government, we have the power to advocate for evidence-based policy. Please, write to your elected officials in favor of green policies.
5. Educate yourself, educate others: We all became epidemiology buffs when coronavirus started to spread. The WHO and CDC websites must have experienced an all-time viewership high. Check out these sources to learn more about climate change: World Wildlife Fund, ​Environmental Protection Agency, Nasa.

Learning from mistakes

The reaction to the pandemic was far from perfect; we should learn from our errors. Firstly, we need leaders who can deliver calm, accurate, and useful information. Political affiliations aside, President Trump did not have the rhetoric or composure to address a global pandemic. 2020 is an election year for the president, 33 senator seats, and 11 State governors (US). This is an opportunity to elect leaders that listen to scientists and speak honestly with the public. Secondly, we need to prepare for health-related crises. The shortage of masks and gloves for health care providers is inexcusable, and the lack of a financial plan for a pandemic is shameful. Climate change causes oceans to rise, insect-carrying diseases to flourish, and wildfires to spread. The government needs to have the resources and money to respond to these events, which scientists warn are inevitable as climate change perpetuates.  

If we are fortunate, the Covid-19 pandemic will peter out, and our social and work lives will continue. From this experience, we should remember that our health and safety are not guaranteed and that we need to work together to ensure our well-being.

Author

Kerry McPherson, @KerrySilvaMcph 
PhD Candidate studying biomedical sciences. Researches proteins implicated in cancer chemoresistance.
Passionate about STEM education outreach, science based policy, and inclusivity.