At this point, everyone reading this has undoubtedly been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is an uncertain and often anxiety inducing topic, but we would remiss if we did not address the issue in this presentation. It becomes increasingly evident with each passing day that COVID-19 is transforming the way we communicate and respond to global crises. While it is still too early to truly understand what overall impact COVID-19 communication and responses will have, there are various aspects of the virus that can provide insight into climate communication.
In a presentation by the CUSP program at the Franklin Institute, Rachel Valletta told us that one of the most important aspects of communication is to know your audience. Sometimes, an audience can be unpredictable. It seems important to note that in the upcoming months, the audience for combating climate change (which is everyone) will share in a global crisis that may change society dramatically. Events can have a catalyzing effect on policy and action; already we've seen entire countries shutting down and governments enacting emergency measures to ensure a quick response to COVID-19. The possibility of a global emergency response to a global crisis can no longer be seen as an environmentalists fantasy. COVID-19 might have the ability to change minds: about the reality of globalization, the fragility of our society, and the role of governments and decision makers in the face of an existential threat.
COVID-19 is unlike anything seen before. However, it is not the first virus to wreak havoc on societies around the world. The 1918 influenza pandemic is perhaps the closest example we have to COVID-19. The social distancing response echoes public health interventions from 1918, when Philadelphia delayed in implementing school closures, bans on public gatherings, and other social distancing interventions and experienced a much more severe epidemic than cities that immediately utilized these non-pharmaceutical interventions (Hatchett). Since similar approaches are being enacted, we can look to some of the effects associated with the influenza pandemic as clues into the impact of COVID-19.
Pandemics have the potential to significantly change society. The influenza pandemic of 1918 forced nations to improve their healthcare systems; in fact, one article says "the public health measures we see being enacted today across the world as efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus are one of the Spanish flu’s most enduring effects." (Dowling). The patterns and spread of infectious disease are likely to change along with climatic conditions (WHO), which means responses to pandemics and strong public health infrastructure are an important part of climate change mitigation.
Another result of the influenza pandemic was perhaps less obvious, but incredibly important. Along with conscripted service in WW1, the flu outbreak caused a workforce shortage that allowed for women to become more active in society. Societal restructuring due to disease or war is not uncommon throughout history, causing fundamental shifts in economic structures or public opinion (Blackburn).
Since measures have been taken to control the COVID-19 outbreak, we have seen major pollution reduction globally. Activities from air travel, industry, and transportation have dramatically decreased; China alone saw a 25% decrease in emissions over a 2 week period (Myllyvirta). One Stanford University researcher went as far as to say that reduced air pollution has saved the lives of 4,000 kids under five and 73,000 adults over 70 (Morrison).
While this reduction is temporary, it serves as a stark example of what emissions reductions could look like for the world. In one article, climate journalist and activist John Gibbons said "The coronavirus outbreak has shown is that, once we understand that we are in an emergency situation, governments can act decisively and dramatic change is indeed possible." (Malekmian).
Policy makers must grapple with many similar questions as they face COVID-19 and climate change. Should we suppress the threat, or mitigate it? How much should the government be involved? What is the appropriate public health response?
Our responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in many ways reflect some of the deepest issues underlying climate action. People that choose to continue going to clubs and bars are prioritizing short term gratification just like those that push off long-term climate policy. The news sources and public figures insisting against social distancing and lock-downs are the same that decry economic incentives to fight climate change like a carbon tax or cap and trade. The public health systems struggling to protect patients sick with COVID-19 must also protect those whose lives are threatened by climate change.
This year, the world has woken up to a new crisis. We are at a turning point in disaster response, and it is yet to be seen how public health systems, government officials, and the global population might rise to the challenge.
Has COVID-19 changed your perspective on global issues such as climate change? How?
How do you engage with the world from your home?