CEO of EVA Global, Donald Hopper, delved into the discussion remembering lessons taught by the pandemic. Pollution levels around the world saw a great decline leading to an improvement in air quality that could scarcely have been predicted. But important questions remain:
How long will this last, and how can we make this the “new normal”? Once freedom of movement has been regained, will we see road transport pollution rise to previous levels or possibly beyond those seen prior to the pandemic? You may think that the impulse we have to traverse international borders again will lead to more movement in combustion engine vehicles, and an overall spike in road and air traffic in a bid to “make up for lost time”. When really, how much time have we gained by improving our air quality and allowing our natural environment a much-needed break from pollutants?
Amidst the devastation caused by the pandemic, we have opportunity. An opportunity to reverse old habits darkening our carbon footprint. An opportunity to choose greener, more sustainable options moving forward. Lockdown has proven the power of “playing my part” as the result sums up a whole community impact. Suddenly, seeing and acting on the “my” makes the “we” a collective effort for change.
