Similitudes and differences between global warming and COVID-19 crises - Lessons to be learned

ABSTRACT

In this article, we try to see if there is a direct link between this health crisis and global warming and if there is something to take away and use at a different level. We are living in complicated times, a sanitary crisis which is followed by an economic one, the amplitude is remained to see, but clearly, both are very damaging. In both cases, being able to rely on the best available scientific knowledge is essential for decision-making. But these cases are quite different because in the case of climate change, apparently, the solution consists in embracing a new social, economic, and energy model. Unfortunately, this aspect is missing from the measures aimed to slow down the COVID-19 pandemic. If certain decisions taken to solve the pandemic seem initially to be directed through the direction of climate protection, others seem rather to going in the opposite direction, so there is no immediate equivalence from one problem to another, and we should not mislead ourselves about possible positive consequences of this health crisis in terms of climate. Nevertheless, perfect communication, coordinated and targeted, clear and honest, has to go hand in hand with the actions taken, to obtain the best and fast results. Despite this situation, we don't have to forget that that humanity is in the middle of another crisis, global warming, which will affect even more, at all levels, not only humankind, and for a longer period.