Seizing the Opportunity Revealed Anew by Covid-19

Even with—perhaps in part because of—the physical separation which this epidemic demands, we are ever more conscious of how much we mean to each other, how much we depend on one another. We are more aware than ever that because Covid-19 is so contagious, we literally are connected,  what we do effects others and vice versa. 

I see us rallying together as a community (for example in the distribution of food; in companies coming together to chart a course back for the economy), I see States increasingly, even if too slowly imposing standard restrictions recognizing that their citizens may travel to another state spreading the virus which has been less constrained in their own. 

This coming together as a community is going on all over the world. In Italy, the UK, China Russia, everywhere. And it is going on between countries too, as companies work collectively to manufacture equipment which heroic heath care workers need; as scientists and doctors work around the clock to identify and produce an insulin and treatment to eradicate this disease; and as we  monitor and learn from the course of the epidemic in different places. 

It shows what is possible and necessary, when we recognize we really are in this together and that only by acting together can we achieve our goals. 

Jill Meyer, President of the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, wrote something this morning which captures succinctly and beautifully that which we must work to sustain and extend from this experience. Our opportunity rests in "making happen what we can and should to tee up a better version of our collective 'us'".

In the past, we have marshaled the power of collective empathy and action at times of existential crises. But as we know, memories have been short. Today, may we marshal the wisdom and the will to carry this collective spirit and action forward, with imagination in identifying the opportunities and dedication to fulfilling  them.

Our world demands it. In no area more important than the threat to our planet from relentless climate change. Like Corvid-19, it calls for united effort by governments, scientists, corporations, and every single person.