3 minute read
Searching for a green world
The topic of climate change and global warming has been gaining attention around the world. Scientists stress the need for a solution, warning that through delayed action we are inadvertently choosing the long-term future socio-economic conditions of all nations. At the same time, a new generation, personified in 18-year-old Greta Thunberg, urges people to speak out against global warming and pressures governments towards stronger policies. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that air pollution has become more severe; oceanic experts tell us that water pollution is rising and coral reefs are decaying. Finally, some of the large societies only is taking notice. On Earth Day and at the Rio+20 Earth Summit, leaders and relevant stakeholders from around the world discussed how to preserve the environment. The annual World Environment Day is still celebrated on 5 June every year, and the COP (Conference of the Parties) established in 1995 continues in its 26th iteration this year.
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However, no definitive results have been achieved and longstanding arguments between committed parties and nonsignatories are still raging. Meanwhile, the weather is getting worse.
The COVID-19 pandemic is not a crisis that should be separated from that of climate change. According to health experts from WHO, a letter written by the International Council of Nurses, World Council of Medical Nurses, World Medical Association and 200 other organizations, stated that air pollution weakened our bodies prior to the onset of the pandemic. This letter – endorsed by the Global Climate and Health Alliance – outlined a “healthy recovery” that necessitated the acceleration of the renewable energy sector and the elimination of hundreds of billions of dollars spent on oil, gas and coal.
The COVID-19 pandemic could be a warning of what is to come. There is plenty of global research suggesting that if climate change is not managed we could see a resurgence of historic diseases as well as the appearance of new ones. This has prompted 200 medical organizations, representing 40 million people worldwide, to demand on 26 March 2020 that G7 leaders recognize that the world needs a more environmentally-friendly approach to health. As argued by Miguel Jorge, president of the World Medical Association, healthy living depends on a healthy planet. We urgently need a comprehensive approach and a restoration of a healthy and green environment. The 20-member body, which represents 90 per cent of global GDP, should prioritize investment in public health, clean air and water, as well as stable climate issues so to build resilience in the face of future health crises.
COVID-19 has demonstrated what years of research and development have suggested: as human activity reduced around the world, clear snow-caps were found in the Himalayas and those living in polluted countries finally breathed fresh air again; rivers in Myanmar such as the Chindwin are as clear and cool as before; once again we can smell the scent of natural forests, mountains, water, air and land – all gifts from nature. We hope decisions will be made to standardize laws and regulations that protect the environment and to build a future that utilizes modern technology to protect our planet – our home.
Finally, we need to truly understand the meaning of the phrase ‘zero setting’. Although scientists understand it, ordinary people have many views, not all of them good. Zero setting doesn’t mean ‘give up’– far from it. It is possible to live in harmony with nature and this should be considered in society’s rehabilitation. All countries need to work together to come up with the right solutions for economic development and social issues. We can collaborate in an honest, conscious way to create a green world for future generations – even if that means we need to start all over again.
