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Respond to climate change likeCOVID-19

by Opinion, The Dominion Post — April 22, 2020 in Guest Editorials 3 min read

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by Duncan Lorimer, Jamie Shinn and Amy Hessl

We are currently overwhelmed by a crisis of historic proportions. In the midst of COVID-19, as

we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we would like to highlight some bright spots

and opportunities that our response to the pandemic has for our ongoing �ght against climate

change.

One of the most important positives is how well our state leadership and communities have

responded to COVID-19 and how important science has been in that response. Scienti�c

models have been instrumental in aiding medical professionals as they measure the successes

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of social distancing. West Virginia and other states listened to the science and took early

action. This prevented many deaths and saved millions of dollars.

Science plays a critical role in how we respond to our changing climate. Current climate models

highlight the urgent need to avoid emissions and develop resilience to increasingly severe

weather events. Just as with COVID-19, paying attention to these predictions can save lives

and protect vulnerable communities in West Virginia. Honest communication between

scientists and policy-makers is crucial as we develop policies to protect our state during the

ongoing climate crisis.

COVID-19 has taught us that we are not all equal in the face of a crisis. Older people, those with

pre-existing conditions, those with little savings, those without access to clean water and

communities of color are some of the groups that have been hardest hit by COVID-19. These

inequalities also matter in the context of climate change, where these same communities have

greater exposure and fewer resources to respond and recover from ongoing climatic stressors

such as extreme heat and �ooding.

Thanks to clear communication and action by state leadership, local communities responded

to the threat COVID-19 posed to the most vulnerable citizens. Hundreds of volunteers packed

and delivered lunches for thousands of children. Thousands of masks have been made and

donated to hospitals and nursing homes. Hospital administrators, doctors and nurses gave up

their salaries to support those on furlough. Imagine what actions might be taken with clear

communication about the threat of climate change to our state, especially to the most

vulnerable.

We have learned that some actions we have taken will have wide reaching and long lasting

bene�ts well beyond the current crisis. Imagine how much better our resistance to the

common cold and the �u will be moving forward now that we all know how to wash our hands!

These actions cost us nothing but enhance our resilience as a society by saving money and

time from lost work due to illness.

Similar actions, taken at an individual level and encouraged through effective leadership, could

have long lasting impacts in the �ght against climate change. Meeting online instead of

commuting to work, eating less meat and decreasing throw-away consumption all contribute

to mitigating climate change. However, just as hand soap and masks will not be enough to �ght

COVID-19, recycling and carpooling will not be enough to solve the global climate crisis. In

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Opinion, The Dominion Post

addition to individual actions, we need decisive and scienti�cally-informed leadership and

political will at all levels.

We have seen that urgent situations help us recognize and value our health, well-being,

families and our state’s beauty. In Morgantown, according to counters at various locations on

the trails, Rail-Trail use is up by 20-60% since COVID-19. In light of this, it is important to note

that we have a levy vote in June for parks and trails that also supports other activities such as

MUSC soccer, the county parks, the ice rink and the botanic garden.

Just as you have made changes in your life in response to COVID-19, take some time this Earth

Day to consider what is important to you and how you might take action to ensure that what

you value is protected for you, your children and grandchildren. We urge you to be inspired by

others and log your actions at www.wvclimateaction.org. Communicate your concerns to our

elected leaders, whether related to COVID-19, the climate crisis or any matter you regard as

important. While we continue to take individual actions, we need strong leadership at all levels

to truly mobilize us and allow for effective and equitable responses to the many challenges

climate change poses.

Duncan Lorimer is the Associate Dean for Research at Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.

Jamie Shinn is an assistant professor of geography at WVU. Amy Hessl is a professor of

geography at WVU.

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