The interconnection between climate change and COVID-19 is more similar than you may think. Over 11,000 scientists have collectively stated the Earth is rapidly heating up due to the burning of fossil fuels, but the world has largely failed to respond in the same way it has to the COVID-19 crisis. While the effects of climate change are also destructive, they are somewhat slower, allowing us to psychologically adapt even as the conditions deteriorate, making it feel like less of a threat. On the other hand, the noticeable effects of coronavirus rise every day, expanding our awareness of the risks involved.
Even with the difference in our outlook of risk, the climate emergency threatens the very same things that are threatened by COVID-19, the safety and health of our loved ones and all human life and the balance of our political and economic systems. If left unchecked, climate change may even intensify both the strong possibility and grimness of future pandemics and storms.
Please write to our city leaders and urge them to include a climate action plan with the COVID-19 recovery plan.
