Nature in the New Normal

April, 2020 

Written for FEAT. Artists

“It is good sometimes to be able to remind yourself that the world, the planet, at least for now, goes on about its appointed mission...We are a small part of something very, very, very large. That doesn’t make it better, but it does help me get through to the next day a little bit.” Bill McKibben, for The New Yorker.

On the 20th of April, I entered my 6th week of social isolation. It was a pretty surreal sensation, wrought with pensive moments and the odd craving for a sense of normality - it feels strange to miss something as simple as catching the bus. Six weeks of stillness and quietness has taught me many things, however most recently I have become reacquainted with, and enamoured by, the joy of a good walk. And it would seem I’m not the only one. 

In a segment of The New Yorker Radio Hour last week, David Remnick touched base with people across the US to understand how COVID-19 is affecting our relationships with nature. In what became a beautiful ode to the environment, Remnick’s interviewees described feeling more attentive to texture, height, branches, colours and shapes during their walks and strolls. It would appear that in the face of isolation, our interactions with nature are becoming more considered experiences; that we are opening our minds to the sublimity of our planet in ways we haven’t been afforded the space and time to before. 

Interestingly, and somewhat adorably, our heightened curiosity for nature has been mimicked by our furry, finned and feathered counterparts. City lockdowns have resulted in abandoned streets and quieter neighbourhoods, which, probably unsurprisingly, has prompted many animal populations to pop their heads out of their hidey-holes to do some exploring of their own. And while there may not be dolphins in Venice (I know, I was heartbroken about this one too), plenty of other critters are wandering city-ward. 

In addition to this, the impacts of COVID-19 have seen improvements to global carbon emissions, providing temporary reprieve for our dear planet earth. Countries with the highest social restrictions are being treated to clearer skies - New York in particular has seen a 50% reduction in pollution. As production in Chinese factories has slowed to a halt, the country has experienced a 25% decrease in emissions, and a 40% decrease in coal use. Over in Europe, satellite data has shown a dramatic drop in levels of nitrogen dioxide air pollution. 

While it’s encouraging to think that the earth is bouncing back quickly and effectively in response to our hibernation, we need to be careful about relying on this idea too heavily. Psychology tells us that something human beings habitually do when we’re faced with an existential challenge such as climate change, is divert responsibility to a phenomenon that we perceive to be more powerful than ourselves - for example, gods, deities, the planet. 

And unfortunately, history suggests that after a pandemic, global emissions hike right back up as the economy reboots, which threatens to reverse the positive alterations to the atmosphere we’ve observed recently.

So, what can we do? 

Well, there is hope! As the enormous engine of capitalism pushes its mighty cogs into action once more, there will likely be an influx of economic stimulus packages designed to support our return to ‘normality’. 

Excitingly, this can be viewed as an opportunity to advocate for the use of cleaner energy alternatives such as solar and wind. As governments worldwide begin to roll out their economic remedies, we can demand the prioritisation of green jobs and green growth, nudging our politicians towards sustainable solutions. 

Alongside this, ongoing discussions of the post-2020 biodiversity framework represent a reassuring pivot towards a harmonious relationship with nature that ensures the flourishing of both humankind and the environment. 

Before all this happens, we are going to have to wait. Right now, taking to the streets in our masses is not an option - but simple things, like going for a long, thoughtful walk, are. I strongly suggest that while we remain socially distant, we activate our hearts and minds by continuing to wander, gaze skyward and unpack our own relationships with the natural world. If you feel so inclined, perhaps take a leaf out of Iceland’s book and wrap your arms around the trunk of a tree - (I did this with a Moreton Bay Fig last week, and, call me a hippie all you like, I’m not ashamed to say it brought tears to my eyes).

So, as our planet continues to give us a glimpse into a cleaner tomorrow, I would encourage us to sit with our emotions, immerse ourselves in nature where possible (even just an amble to the park will do), and hold onto any positive sensations with gusto. To minimise the impacts of climate change, we will need to stay inspired by our planet and motivated to work alongside it. 

And maybe one day we’ll see dolphins in Venice after all. 

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[Image by RedCharlie on Unsplash]