Breathtaking - Integrated Solutions to COVID-19 and the Climate Crisis

摘要

As I write this piece, with wildfire smoke causing an off-the-charts Air Quality Index outside (520 w/301 considered hazardous) and a Level 1 wildfire evacuation zone just 3 miles away, I feel privileged to have electricity, internet, food in the fridge, a fairly tight house and a HEPA air cleaner keeping the indoor air breathable. Scientific consensus says that the record-setting conflagration gripping the Western U.S. is significantly more severe due to climate change. Under a sky reminiscent of post-apocalyptic Hollywood depictions (think Blade Runner 2049), rather than dwelling on the ominous, I want to expand on the integrated solutions theme from my last column and imagine addressing pressing issues with equity, ecology and economics in mind. Significant investments are needed to support pandemic recovery, and at the same time, adequate funding of climate change mitigation and adaptation is long overdue, and real effort is required to correct the injustices of structural racism. Prioritizing initiatives that address all three would be wise investments, and the returns would accrue to individuals, governments and business alike.