We Can't Go Back to 'Normal'
So it has come to pass. A microscopic creation of nature has traveled from the wild world into ours and brought our “advanced,” high-tech civilization to its knees. Humankind’s deep interconnection with the natural world has never been more apparent. Not only is the Covid-19 pandemic highlighting how our relentless destruction of wild places is increasing our exposure to new pathogens, the resultant widespread shutdowns of states and countries is also revealing just how much we rely on nature for both solace and stimulus. Forced into social isolation, everyone who can is heading outdoors.
My thoughts today, however, are not with those among us who can afford — physically and economically — to ride this out and spend time in nature. Right now, I’m overwhelmed by the devastating stories and images of the most vulnerable among us — the sick, the dying, and those with scant resources who have nowhere to hide — that are streaming into my newsfeed from across the world. Their plight, more than anything else, is a stark reminder that we simply can’t afford to return to business as usual once this public health crisis is past us. We’ve just got to do far, far better at taking care of nature and of the most marginalized among us. Our species’ wellbeing and continued existence on Earth depends on it.
Once we have our bearings back, we have got to rally together and step up the struggle to protect our environment.
In the meantime, stay safe, stay healthy.
Maureen Nandini Mitra
Editor, Earth Island Journal
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