As we emerge from the trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many lessons that we can learn. Many have suddenly discovered that widespread fundamental changes in behaviour and lifestyle were possible, just what we need to address climate change. The superficial pleasures of the consumer society have faded as social relationships and solidarity grew in importance. There has been time for meditation and reflection on the purpose of life and the value of nature, with a resetting of priorities. We have travelled less and walked more, which could facilitate the transition to renewable energy and encourage rapid innovation to head off the climate catastrophe. We see the need to protect biodiversity to reduce the risk of new viruses transferring to human hosts. We must at all costs avoid going back to business as usual. Ultimately, selfish materialistic values must give way to those that foster the unity of all humanity and harmony with nature, which the pandemic has so clearly demonstrated.
Arthur Dahl is an environmental scientist, President of the International Environment Forum, and a retired Deputy Assistant Executive Director of UNEP, with 50 years' international experience in environment and sustainability. A lifelong Bahá'í, he is interested in relating ecology, ethics and spirituality. His books include "Unless and Until: A Bahá'í Focus on the Environment", “The ECO Principle: Ecology and Economics in Symbiosis”, “In Pursuit of Hope: A Guide for the Seeker”, and (with Augusto Lopez-Claros and Maja Groff), “Global Governance and the Emergence of Global Institutions for the 21st Century”. To view the video visit the YouTube channel https://youtu.be/FieRg8q1sTI
