Covid-19 has presented humanity with a unique opportunity to address the root causes of the issues driving each of the SDGs. The global impact of the pandemic has exposed the cracks in the veneer of nearly every social system and institution.
One example – and one of the most profound – is Life on Land. The science is strongly showing that Covid-19 is a zoonotic virus; that is, one that has jumped species. Incessant human encroachment on forests and jungles by our seemingly insatiable appetite for “development” has significantly decreased the field in which animal viruses have naturally replicated and been limited through history.
Banner for the Building the New World Conference initiated by SDG TL Circle members Laura George and Stephen Dynako.
Related to this is Climate Action. Due to global sheltering in place to mitigate the spread of Covid-19, we’ve witnessed a resurgence of the natural world and some level of ecosystem regeneration planet-wide. With less burning of fossil fuels by heavy manufacturing operations, the skies over some of the most recently air-polluted places on the planet have become clearer and cleaner. Add to that, less air, train, and automobile travel, and it is proven that the earth has immense power to heal and regenerate itself given the chance.
It seems nature is speaking to humanity. Are we listening?
Feature Image by Candid_Shots from Pixabay
