Is 2020 The Wake Up Call We Needed? A Year For Change
2020 is canceled. We’ve seen it all over the media and also in our personal lives. Plans have changed and daily routines have been altered. New ways of life that we never envisaged are now becoming our ‘new normal’.
The amount of traumatically heartbreaking events that have occurred over the past six months has been surprising, to say the least. But is 2020 the wake-up call we all needed to readjust and reevaluate our actions and lives?
Where Are These Opportunities for Change?
Yes, countless horrible events have happened along with lost jobs, and lives changed forever — so it seems naive to try to find the positives in all of this but there are opportunities here. There are opportunities for growth and change which our world so desperately needs.
Global Carbon Emissions
The rise of the Covid-19 has reduced our global CO2 emissions. The policies enforced such as social distancing, working from home and the closure of international and state travel borders has put our world in an almost experiment like position to reduce our carbon footprint.
Although these changes have had negative economic impacts. Research shows that “at their peak, emissions in individual countries decreased by –26% on average.” The insight gained from a reduction in CO2 emissions and the Coronavirus lockdown could be the information needed in order to pursue policy changes in regards to global warming.
Hopefully, these scientific results can help create change, awareness, and understanding of global warming as well as the human impacts on it. So that it may be easier to lobby for and put in place policies that will protect our planet.
Savoring the Good and Supporting Each Other
Although I don’t say this lightly as I know many people's lives have been greatly affected, the loss of daily routine has forced many to find new perspectives on life.
Not only have I seen so many more people post about the simple joys in life but I’ve noticed people are savoring the good moments more. Even though at times good things have been few and far between, it has built our strength to savor, preserve, and look for the good in life.
Despite the brutal fights over toilet paper a few months ago there has been overwhelming support for each other out there too. The influx of good deeds and seeing communities rally together to show support for each other has been incredibly heartwarming.
One of the good news stories shared was people hanging up stuffed animals at their houses to help lift children’s spirits and encourage a smile when they drive by. Also, ‘Some Good News’ launched by John Krasinski which features real-life stories showing all the good that has still been happening despite these rough times has definitely touched many hearts.
The Power of People
The heartbreaking events of George Floyd have sparked worldwide support like never before. Blackout Tuesday encouraged so many to step back and educate themselves on the issues. But most importantly, these events have inspired rallies and noise which has led to the officers being charged, Minneapolis voting to defund the police and reforms pledged in New York City.
Hopefully, these horrible events can finally lead to much-needed change and police reform. Similarly in Australia, it has sparked awareness of the mistreatment and deaths of Indigenous Australians in custody.
Homes for the Homeless
Since Corona hit in Australia homeless people are being housed and given shelter. Some states are looking at continuing these programs to help get the homeless off the streets even after Covid-19.
Research supports this as housing the homeless saves $13,100 per homeless person taken off the streets each year. It was also found to be cheaper as individuals not sleeping rough had fewer health problems and experienced less trouble with the law.
Even though 2020 has only been six months, it’s been a hell of a year so far (maybe with an emphasis on hell). But despite it all, there’s been an immense amount of good and opportunities for change. There is still hope for the future and in humanity. Keep looking for the opportunities and don’t forget to savor the good. Look after yourself and don’t forget you’re not alone.
