With no respect for boundaries, borders or beliefs, COVID-19 has spread rapidly across the globe. It has shown us how interconnected we actually are, whilst simultaneously forcing us to distance from one another, to close our borders and retreat into our own space.
Life has changed dramatically. We are compelled to live differently, and perhaps, to reassess what and who is really important in our lives. It will pass, a relatively small blip in the history of a planet that is some four and half billion years old, but will life be the same?
Do we want life to be the same?
The halt of movement and industry has given us a glimpse of a cleaner world, with reports of exceptional blue skies, views of the Himalayas not seen for 30 years and significant increases in air quality in some of the most polluted cities in the world. These gains are fragile, but perhaps they’re a glimpse of what our planet’s future could be like. As we emerge from the pandemic, there is an opportunity to build back better, to build what we want to see for our children, and build what we dream of for future generations.
WATCH THIS: Thirty years ago, NASA’s Voyager 1 snapped a photo of Earth from six billion kilometres away and humanity got a chance to see itself in a whole new light. The ‘pale blue dot,’ as it became known, inspired Carl Sagan to write these stirring words which seem more relevant than ever.
Your challenge: Care for the planet
In the words of Winston Churchill: “If not now, when? If not us, who?”
Over the next week, try one or more of these activities and help make the world a better place for future generations.
- Calculate your carbon footprint and make a pledge to reduce it.
- Help fight food waste with these food-saving habits.
- Recycle right!
Be safe, be well, care for the planet!
Need help?
- If you are experiencing a mental health crisis call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or MensLine on 1300 99 78 99.
- For a list of national helplines and websites visit Beyond Blue
- If you are concerned about the health and safety of yourself, family or friends, you can find government advice on Coronavirus and a 24 hour government help line for Coronavirus at 1800 020 080.
- And here for more information on Financial Support
Word document + study attribution and further resource materials are available on request. Contact Tony Coggins, Lead Associate Population Mental Health, Implemental (formerly Maudsley International) and WoW educator on wow@implemental.org for more information.
Supported by the Queensland Mental Health Commission
Supporting WoW, Mentally Healthy City Townsville