Covid-19: A threat or an opportunity? It is in your hands.
We are only at the beginning of the biggest social experiment in the history of humankind. Billions of people all around this planet are in lockdown and things we took for granted only a few weeks ago suddenly seem impossible and like a distant memory. Nothing is certain anymore.
We all feel it — This can be a moment for change. This, in fact, is a moment of change!
The question is: What change will this crisis bring?
Is it an opportunity to update a system that is build on the exploitation of natural resources, on externalizing the costs of economic activity and polluting this planet?
Or is it an opportunity for the ones in power to consolidate their positions, to accumulate more wealth and influence, to roll back environmental protections, minority rights and civil liberties?
It is both. Over the past few weeks, we have seen examples of more progressive agendas being pushed forward, but also of democracies crumbling and disaster capitalism on steroids.
I will list some examples below, in case you needed a wake up call.
It has become clear that we are balancing on a knife’s edge and our future could unfold either way from here. Or to be precise: Our future WILL unfold in one way or the other from here!
It is in our hands to decide which way that will be, in my hands, in yours, your family’s and friends’… all our actions, our small choices, our voices of protest or of support, will make the difference and tip the balance. Face this responsibility, take a deep breath, and take action. The future is in our hands — let’s make it the best possible place to spend the rest of our lives in.
It starts with the small actions that are taken out of care and compassion: You don’t need to start a global movement tomorrow, just smile at your neighbour and say “We are in this together”. Call your mum and tell her you love her. Take care of your partner. Go shopping for that old lady downstairs. Don’t shout at those people sitting too close on the park bench, but ask them how they are doing. Talk to your friends about their dreams for the future.
Not a single act of kindness is ever wasted.
If you want to, you can share in the comments any act of kindness or support that you have done or experienced over the last weeks, to inspire others.
Let’s not mess this mess. And let’s not allow others to mess this up.
Take care, be kind.
THE FORCES TO FIGHT:
Let’s start with a sample of negative news, so we can end with the hopeful developments further down.
We already lost one democracy in Europe:
Rules for environmental protection have been relaxed in the US:
The rich got richer, on the backs of their workers:
Protest movements have been crippled by the lockdown:
Saudi Arabia went on a shopping spree for European oil producers:
Alabama tried to block abortions (but a judge ruled against the ban!):
Russian disinformation campaigns are taking advantage of the crisis:
Plastic industry tries to undo the ban on plastic bags:
Poachers kill more rhinos in Africa:
And people abuse the dire situations of the health care system for personal financial gain, from Germany:
To down under:
ON THE OTHER HAND, progressive agenda items that seemed unthinkable before are gaining traction and people display solidarity and creative solutions to take care of each other.
CEOs, politicans and union leaders urge for a green recovery:
Portugal grants migrants temporary citizenship rights:
Spain wants to roll out a Universal Basic Income scheme:
Amsterdam plans to embrace doughnut economics:
And if you don’t know where to start, find inspiration here:
https://www.thelocal.dk/20200330/denmarks-health-chief-cuts-own-hair-and-sends-cash-to-barber
…or join this survey about how this crisis is affecting us personally .
We can do this. 💪
