GTN Message: COVID-19

Hello Green Team Newsletter subscribers,

*sigh*… Julieta here... I’m about to attempt a positive spin on this. We are facing a global pandemic of the likes no one has seen in their lifetime. Everything is uncertain and everyone is trying to wrap their heads around the implications of such a significant event. We are hearing about over-crowded hospitals, stock-market collapses and even research suggesting that pandemics are highly correlated with destruction of nature. With misinformation and emotional contagion all over the place, it may be tough to see any silver lining. However, I'm going to try, because oddly enough, the global response to COVID-19 has given me hope.

On an individual level, I've noticed a surge in one of humanity's best traits; compassion. Every person who self-isolates is saying, “I will inconvenience myself for my own safety, the safety of those I love, AND the safety of those in my community”. Some are paying their staff even though they cannot come in, others are postponing special events to prevent contagion, people are checking on each other and looking out for those who are most vulnerable. In some European countries like Spain, people go out on their balconies every night and clap for health care workers, cleaners and those on the front lines. Though panic can make us act selfishly, I find the quote from Anne Boyer says it best, “fear educates our care for each other.”

On a broader scale, I find this situation remarkable. Countries are learning from each other, we are listening to scientists & health/epidemic specialists, individuals are taking responsibility for their role in a bigger community. More than I've ever seen before, we are comprehending the gravity of a situation and working together to overcome it. Of course, the response to this pandemic is not perfect. As in any situation, mistakes are made, and there are people who do things for the wrong reasons or act out of emotion. Unfortunately, this leads to people getting hurt. That being said, I encourage you to recognize the incredible phenomenon of humans adapting. Everything and everyone must adjust to this massive, world-wide change. In dealing with a new and unreliable situation, innovative strategies are being dreamt up, creative solutions are being fostered, people are working with their families/offices/schools/etc. to find the best way forward. We are adapting to our needs and moving forward! I am not trying to downplay the serious implications of COVID-19 (health-wise, economically, etc.), but rather I want to highlight the considerable societal shift. Just think, schools, all over the world, are closed/closing. As a student, school is a certainty, a staple present almost every day of my entire life. Then one morning I wake up, and it has stopped. (That. Is. Crazy!) We are witnessing something amazing, we are seeing that massive changes can come (temporary or not) when faced with a worthwhile threat. The world is changing in a major way, in a way I never knew it could.

I predict we will look back at this time as a turning point. A provider of perspective that gives me hope in facing the climate crisis. The unfortunate challenge that is coronavirus is proving that humans are adaptable, that gigantic shifts can happen when we need them, that humans are more than selfish and that we are capable of collaborating with an eye on a healthy, shared future. As a climate activist, those things often feel impossible, you can feel as if you proclaim them into the void hoping they're true. But if anything good has come out of this pandemic, it's confirmation that, despite the odds, we are not a lost cause. People will stand up for other people. I hope that the world continues to come together in the face of COVID-19 and takes this opportunity to work towards a more equitable, just and green future. To quote Canadian musician and activist Luke Wallace, "With simple things like community, love and unity. Turn this fight into an opportunity".

Finally, I believe this pandemic will bring about a change in our mindsets. A change from always being isolated in our own day-to-day bubbles to feeling like a citizen of the world. It may be a cliché sentiment, but look at it this way: everyone is dealing with the outbreak individually, but we are all in this together, we are all interconnected and interdependent, and we need everyone's cooperation for this to work. This crisis is being discussed as a global issue. Suddenly, our personal experiences are in the context of the Earth and our actions directly feed into something bigger than ourselves. My final wish is that we move forward with that very mentality...

The world faced something, I am the world.

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As director/editor of the Green Team Newsletter, I've decided to postpone the long-awaited jam-packed A-Z newsletter amidst the current global situation. However, we've included below some activities you can do while in quarantine. It can be a relief to take your mind off of the situation as it is a stressful time, hopefully these activities will give you something to do. Not to mention, a lot of people are taking advantage of some of the extra time to be creative or to work on projects that were otherwise pilling up. Here are some activities you could do from home...

~ Pollinator season is upon us! Here are some DIYs you can do at home to get your garden ready! || Make a mason bee house (basic or advanced). | The David Suzuki Foundation has lots of great information when it comes to pollinators in Canada, including many tips on how to create a pollinator-friendly garden.

~ Are you an avid climate striker? Some are climate striking from home using the hashtag #digitalstrike or #climatestrikeonline

~ Professionals recommend going on walks! While you should keep your distance from other people (at least 2m), breathing fresh air is a great way not only to clear your mind but to stay healthy. Not to mention, it's a great time to appreciate nature!

~ Looking to connect with nature? The Biomimicry institute is running a 30-day challenge detailing how people of all ages can observe and engage with nature. (To learn more about what biomimicry entails, check out some resources from our resident expert and keep an eye out for the newsletter where we tackle biomimicry -and why it's awesome- more in depth).

~ Do you love learning? Taking online classes is a great pass-time if you have wifi access (which I'm assuming you do if you're reading this). One of our Green Team leaders, Courtney, suggests this course on Marine Mammals (ages 6-11) for young animal lovers! Courtney also recommends checking out these free online courses covering a range of environmental topics: http://www.openculture.com/environment-free-online-courses.

~ Check out these cute animal pictures back in our first GTN!

~ Watch Birds of Paradise do anything, they are hilarious and adorable

~ Calling all athletes! WWF Canada is doing their annual climb for nature of the CN tower virtually this year, learn more about how to participate here!

~ Watch uplifting and fascinating movies/shows about the Earth such as Our Planet or Chasing Corals. If you're particularly interested in environmental movies, the Environmental Film Festival has many mini docs you can watch: https://dceff.org/watchnow/. You can also check out The Nature of Things with David Suzuki

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That's all for now, folks. Use soap, stay quarantined, go on walks, listen to local officials and I’ll see y'all soon!

~ Julieta (GTN director/editor) ~