The time for change is nowThis year has been filled with unexpected changes to our way of life, but has it also shown us the potential we have to adapt in times of crisis? The global shift we have witnessed has emptied our streets and cleared the skies. Through this absence of usual human activity, we have seen waters glimmer and nature thrive. Our ‘new normal’ has exposed how our old lifestyle was and will be detrimental to our natural world, urging us to address the desperate need for immediate changes. If we want to sustain the beauty of the natural world and prevent global climate catastrophe, we cannot simply rely on the pause that has come with this pandemic. We must adjust, then maintain these lifestyles of reduced carbon footprints and eco-friendly consumption over time, in order to see any long term impact. Despite the many hardships that have only been highlighted amid the struggles of Coronavirus, there still lies a silver-lining. Whilst we have been ‘trapped’ in our homes, the roads have seen huge reductions in traffic, leading to exponential drops in emissions and air pollution, that is so seriously damaging to our health. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that conditions stemming from exposure to ambient pollution, including stroke, heart disease and respiratory illnesses kill around 4.2 million per year. To put that into context, as of 28th June, the total recorded deaths from Covid-19, worldwide stands at just under half a million; the yearly death toll derived from air pollutants, is over 8 times greater than this! And whilst we have felt distant and detached from many of the people we care about, we have also found connection on a wider level, amongst neighbours and strangers alike. We’ve discovered commonality and a sense of coming together in crisis. We have shown appreciation for our key workers, standing as one community to clap for carers, nurses and NHS heroes, who have sustained unimaginable bravery and selflessness throughout this pandemic. And as a society our solidarity has grown with this experience - from new found gratitude to a willingness to educate ourselves on the persisting inequalities that still live on, across the globe. Whilst the brutal murder of George Floyd left so many distraught and appalled, it has also gripped the globe, sparked a momentous movement and marked a moment in history where intentions to demand justice can be found across nations. For centuries, the majority have turned a blind eye, in refusal or simply denial, to accept what has been staring right at us for so long. The lockdown has left us with time to stop and consider beyond our immediate circle and think of the struggles that go on behind closed doors; to recognise what has been ignored and to open our eyes to the harsh reality of racial inequality today. And as a result, we have begun a worldwide call to action. Begun holding leaders accountable. Begun learning, educating ourselves and others on the true past (not a ‘whitewashed’ version from history textbooks), on our current reality (the oppression still present today), and finally, hopefully a future with the possibility of real equity. So whether it comes to climate, environmental or social justice we must always fight for what is right, as our one necessary end goal. As a common mission, on which we will all endeavour. I commit to strive for change and ask for others to join me in this fight. And this is not a temporary trend, but instead a permanent and everlasting change to our way of life, rooted in the foundations of a belief that justice must always be served. We can only achieve this goal by amending our old, broken ways and flawed systems, adapting to the new world that awaits and lastly sustaining these changes for years to come, creating a brighter future for the youth of today. The time for change is now...
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Aditi Banerjee14 year old girl, with a passion to make the world a better place, advocating for our climate. ArchivesCategories |