Seed Swap #25

This week, the coronavirus pandemic reached 5 million cases. While much is still unknown about the emergence of this disease, there is strong evidence to support the idea that it was caused by our disrespect for non-human life. But not all that has come from this experience has been bad—it has opened the doors for important conversations to be had around the globe, centering on both immediate and long-term effects of human life on the planet. As we continue to seek answers and solutions, it is our hope that these will consider the future of all life on our Earth.

These are some of the stories that have been keeping us informed and filling us with hope recently:

• Immunologist Dr. Anthony Fauci has called for a closure of wildlife markets around the globe, and other top scientist warn that we’ll see even worse pandemics if we don’t halt the destruction of nature.
• It’s easy to see how the disruption of our schedules and travel plans has led to a decrease in air pollution and a change in our city soundscapes, but there’s one side effect that goes unnoticed by many: decreased anthropogenic seismic activity.
• Humans aren’t the only ones missing their normal connections with others. Zoo animals in Colorado are reportedly missing their human entertainment, too.
• Author Brenda Peterson describes the positive outcome we can find if we treat pandemic isolation as time to refocus our attention on things that really matter to ourselves and the world.
• Many who have isolated at home have found themselves growing tired of getting news from a screen. Author David Abram suggests we can turn to the “more-than-human world” for greater empowerment.
• As communities begin to reopen and schools consider the risks inherent with indoor classrooms, this is the time to consider returning to the greatest classroom there is: the outdoors.
• Coronavirus has helped everyone see how interconnected all life truly is. As another writer put it, “We can create a world that works for everyone or face a future that no longer works for anyone.”
• When interviewed about the pandemic, Dr. Jane Goodall offered these words of hope: “Hopefully, because of this unprecedented response, the lockdowns that are going on around the world, more people will wake up and eventually they can start thinking about ways they can live their lives differently. Everyone can make an impact every single day.”