At first glance, these two topics don't seem to have anything in common, and yet they do. They both shake up the whole world, they are both scary, and we can actually use what we learn during the current crisis to tackle the other one.
Few of us thought that such a worldwide pandemic situation could happen, even though some experts warned us many years ago that our systems were not strong and resilient enough. It just didn't happen for quite many decades, and we probably thought that our species was above that by now, thanks to technology and knowledge. But this crisis, terrible as it is, doesn't have to be the end of the world.
DON'T LOSE HOPE!
It can be a wake up call and the perfect occasion to reflect on the general resilience of our societies. And thus find answers to the question: what can we (as a society) and I (as an individual) learn from this pandemic and apply to mitigate the current climate crisis?
1) We will all be affected one way or another
Most of us thought in the beginning that the coronavirus would stay in China. Why? Because we were sure that we were above this virus. I even heard on TV and radio: "Our health system and general health of our citizens is better that in China, so no big deal." Well, this certainly turned out to be wrong. In fact, we didn't prepare enough because most people didn't believe in the danger. So we took a full blow regarding society and economy.
I can't help but thinking that this sounds awfully similar to the debates about climate change: "We won't be affected, so no big deal. We are resilient." Well, a global crisis is a global crisis, whether you believe it or not. One way or another, we will all be affected by it, directly or indirectly.
2) Scientists and experts know better
At least that's why they are here. To alert and enlighten. If experts all over the world had been more insistent in January, we would have probably started preparing right away: storing masks and medical equipment, preparing hospitals, conducting tests and tracing the cluster of contamination... It is not a miracle solution, but some countries did exactly this and are now better off: the pandemic didn't kill so many people, the economies didn't suffer so much, and the curfew didn't last so long.
Same goes for climate change. If we do everything we can right now to slow down the changes we can control and get ready for the ones we cannot prevent, then we will face the crisis together and be stronger as a whole. We will be organised, prepared and... more resilient! Check out IPCC website and reports, because they are the experts on the matter.
3) Solidarity and collective actions are the key
If we can learn anything from the past weeks, it is that solidarity in times of crisis is like a deep breath of fresh air. We have the ability to put aside everything else, coordinate together and find collective solutions. Non-medical industries started producing medical equipment, textile industries and individuals started producing masks, solidarity chains emerged to help those in need, European countries have been helping each other to hospitalize citizens... Every other topic has been paused for now, everyone is facing the same challenge at the same time - and together! Which means we do have this ability to work for a common purpose whatever our differences in believes and convictions.
Therefore, solidarity will be a key factor to face climate change as well. We will have to rise collectively again, set aside our differences, and work towards a common purpose.
4) Globally coordinated policy measures are necessary
In the past months, major international organizations have made efforts to coordinate the distribution of essential supplies and support government preparedness as well as response efforts. For instance, the European Union has adopted the Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative, which enables member states to access funds to help strengthen their health systems, as well as to support small and medium-sized businesses, short-term work programmes and community-based services. In North America, Canada and the United States have taken similar steps to support their economies and health care systems. This coordinated approach helps countries to align their policies, economic responses and health care recommendations.
To anticipate climate change, this level of coordination is strongly needed. Collaboration and dialogue among countries is necessary to align on evidence and policies to implement the Paris Agreement.
5) Ultimately, self-sufficiency is our safeguard
The pandemic might not have been as disastrous if our countries were more resilient and more independent. When Chinese industries closed in January, many worldwide businesses struggled to cope as they were heavily reliant on Chinese production. When the virus flooded Europe, many countries couldn't provide enough masks and medical equipment as the local production was not sufficient and each country naturally kept its strategic resources for itself. Same applied to food, toilet paper (for some reason), medicines, fuel, energy...
To face climate crisis, we will need to become more self-sufficient. This means, among other things: localized production, energy independence, adaptability... At an individual scale, we can achieve more autarky when it comes to food production, water capture and management as well as energy production. The more we can live off local resources, the less we will be impacted the day a major crisis occurs. It doesn't mean stopping the way things work today. It just means being prepared to do without if necessary.