After the Storm
I had promised that I would not allow myself to speculate on the post-Corona world that we might be facing. Unfortunately, my mind does not allow me that luxury.
I can’t sleep, I can hardly stop for long enough to eat a decent meal without my mind wandering off down some fantasy-ridden track through the wilderness of the world left behind. And I do believe that it’s already been left behind; we just haven’t accepted it yet.
Now, I am not an engineer of any sort, nor an authority on anything, really. I’m just a dreamer — and I’m dreaming.
The human race is facing a world of challenge — and opportunity — unlike any that we have ever done before.
We face a time of necessary individual isolation, a restriction of physical movement of people around the globe. At the same time, we have access to a communication system unlike any that has ever existed, and technology that 100 probably even 50, years ago, would have seemed like magic to anyone alive at the time. I see no reason for us to lose the technology that we have gained.
The technology leap in communication is, in my mind, the greatest advance that we have made in centuries. We are now more connected than ever before, even though so much of the physical connection has disappeared from our lives. It’s up to us what we do with what we now have.
Hopefully, there will be a reduction in the amount of fuel oil available for manufacturing most places in the world and this, to my mind, will only encourage and accelerate the development and use of renewable energy. We already have electric machines, powered by the sun, wind or some other renewable fuel. Many of these will need to be scaled up to replace the monstrous, oil-driven machines that we now have.
Battery technology is improving almost daily, as is the efficiency of renewable energy-generating equipment.
We have the opportunity to replace petroleum with renewables; the technology is so far advanced now that a small nudge could move us to a place where fossil fuels will be much more expensive than the option. Less petroleum equals fewer plastics, fewer plastics equals a happier world.
To quote a friend, we are approaching the time when the world will be ready for a massive mental reset; all we need is the leaders with the gumption and integrity to actually push the button.
For at least a while, personal, non-essential travel will be reduced. While this will represent a challenge for the countries which depend on tourism for a buoyant economy, it should encourage them to investigate other options in the production of specialty goods and services to replace it.
On the positive side, such a reduction will result in a chance for nature in these countries to recover; we’re already seeing positive ecological results in places which are usually overrun with visitors, the water quality in the canals in Venice, for example.
If I was to summarize what I see as opportunities for us to go forward, the list would look something like this:
· The chance for us all to realize that life is not really about what we can accumulate, but what we can contribute.
This virus will kill perhaps 5 to 6% of the people who catch it. True, people with money may have a better chance of surviving, but that is not certain. No-one’s value is measured in dollars. Or Euro. Or Yen. Or Pounds,
· The opportunity to get closer to our families and those who we care about.
Assuming that we are fortunate enough to get together in one place — and smart enough to take that opportunity when it presents itself.
· The chance to realize that most things that happen in this world touch us all- in some way — and to see that everyone has something to offer to someone.
The old beggar sitting on the street has seen things that you and I have not. I guarantee it.
· Understand that everyone is entitled to their own opinion — on everything. You are not entitled to expect someone to change because you don’t agree.
I mean, even the Donald has the right to believe that he is brilliant, perfect and the Universe’s gift to mankind. He has no right to expect that I will agree with him, however — nor to attempt to enforce his opinion on anyone who disagrees with him.
These are just a few of what I consider we should be looking at for the future. I do believe that we will have one. For the world, I have a whole different set of wishes
These are:
· Mankind will understand that we are destroying this planet and that this is our only option — for the foreseeable future anyway.
· The Use of petroleum products will dwindle and, eventually, become negligible.
· As a direct result of the previous wish, plastic production will cease. There must be inexpensive, eco-friendly options in the pipeline — if they’re not already there.
· ‘Leisure travel’ will largely cease. At least for a generation or two. Tourism imposes huge costs on a country and its people. Natives are forced to adapt their values to meet those of the visitors, the country is overrun, usually by thousands of visitors whose only motive is instant gratification — to Hell with the effect.
· Renewable power will become the norm rather than the exception. We are already seeing several administrations in countries undertaking to cease petrocarbon use, usually within 10 years. Wouldn’t it be nice if it started now?
If countries accelerated their alternative energy plans, I believe that this could happen in two or three years rather than 8 or 10. Those countries in the tropics could focus on solar power, with wind and hydro as secondaries, while the more temperate regions would focus on hydro or wind, with a small investment in solar to help support the others. This will require a major paradigm shift away from oil towards cleaner energy. What are the chances?
Look around you and see the positive changes that have come to pass in just 3 months of control.
Voluntary restriction of movement and activity has given us smog-free air in cities for the first time in decades. The stars are brighter, the water is bluer and clearer. Might we be able to institute a voluntary annual shutdown for a similar period? Say two months each year? Call it an extended siesta for the world to catch its breath.
Since March 1st I’ve been marooned in Finland, with no clear route back to Barbados. Life here has been interesting. This country, that’s half the size of Texas, with 20% of the population scores so high on so many counts worldwide, that I believe that most places to the west could take lessons in humanity and world citizenship from Finland.
There’s much more in my list, but I am loath to invest more of my remaining time to try to put ideas in stupid people’s heads. Imagine. A world with clean air, trees instead of concrete, grass instead of pavement. Love and tolerance instead of hate. I would love to see it.
It’s up to us now.
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I am tagging Harper Thorpe, John Ross and Matt Lillywhite to join in, if it appeals to them.
