Stay Healthy, Stay Safe
Not to state the obvious, but there’s a lot going on these days, most of all the novel coronavirus virus pandemic that has now reached more than 100 countries, resulted in a wide range of travel restrictions, and triggered a historic global stock market crash.
Here in the US, Trump has finally declared a national emergency. But since the outbreak began, his administration has hamstrung response work, including efforts to create and distribute tests for the virus, fueling further public panic and confusion. Not to mention that for years Trump has been underfunding public health work. What the administration has managed to do is move forward with its plan to tighten food stamp eligibility rules at a time when schools and workplaces across the nation are shutting down, and make clear where its loyalties like by suggesting a bailout for fossil fuel producers facing plummeting oil and gas prices.
Thankfully, local and state governments and businesses have been doing what they can to slow COVID-19's spread. And I hope the federal emergency declaration will buoy local efforts, particularly those to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.
In the meantime, if you’re looking for a break from the nonstop news about COVID-19, we have plenty of environmental stories to keep you occupied, including from our new Spring issue. It won’t all be uplifting — though I promise you’ll find some of that too — but it will offer a much-needed distraction, and keep you informed to boot.
Be Well,
Zoe Loftus-Farren
Managing Editor, Earth Island Journal
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