Crises tend to bring out some of the best and the worst in us. We have watched in awe and admiration as health care professionals have responded with superhuman dedication to the Covid-19 pandemic. We have a choice in how to respond to global threats. Many experts see a link between the two. Inger Andersen, head of the United Nations Environment Programme, says Covid-19 is a “clear warning shot” given that 75% of all infectious diseases come from wildlife, and climate change and the destruction of natural habitats are putting humans into ever-closer proximity to animals. Governments could opt for business as usual, perpetuating our old way of life, or they could heed nature’s Covid-19 warning and kick-start the transition to a low-carbon future.
By Ban Ki-moon and Patrick Verkooijen. CNN Opinion. April 9, 2020.
