2020: A SHIFT IN PERSPECTIVE

Words by Vacha Patel

In 2020 the World froze.


It will go down in history as the year of a Pandemic.


While none of us have been immune to some sort of suffering, whether directly or indirectly from the hardships induced by Covid-19 this year, it’s important to shift our perspective and instead look closely with a more positive outlook: There is an interconnectedness of existence which humanity might not have experienced if it weren’t for the pandemic.


Despite starting 2020 with #WW3 memes, humanity experienced quite the opposite. Instead, we saw how people come together when they share the same story, same home, same mission and same adversity. Becoming aware of our similarities, people came together, became stronger and experienced extraordinary change at a breathtaking pace.


One of the best examples of harmony and comradery during these trying times was that seen within the scientific community. All over the world, scientists ignored national borders and came together this year with a common purpose and unparalleled momentum to decode the virus and create a vaccine. With the aid of technology, connectivity and mobility we already have millions vaccinated.
 
A more unexpected benefit that occurred as a result of the pandemic was seen in the form of carbon emissions being reduced by the largest amount ever recorded. As people stayed in, the world was able to start healing itself. Continuing this trend, countries like China, Japan and South Korea committed this year to becoming net zero emissions by 2050. Joe Biden promised a $2 trillion climate plan and is set to rejoin the Paris agreement. The EU and UK aim for about 55% and 67% reduction in emissions, respectively, by the year 2030. Also, large corporations like Apple aim to have net zero emissions by 2030 and Walmart by 2040. In addition, the cost of renewable energy sources is declining much faster than predicted. This never before seen alacrity by the global community to address the emergency of climate change is due in large part to the pandemic.
 Covid-19 has caused some serious disruption in the corporate world.  It has caused economies and society at large to bring into sharp focus the immediate economic priorities for governments and businesses. With that being said, environmental, social and governance (ESG) measures are entering a new phase and people approach it with a different lens. Previously, ESG was not a priority as performance-based metrics for companies, but since the pandemic began, corporations have since had to refocus their priorities to include ESG measures. Additionally, ESG ratings are becoming increasingly important for all investors, rather than only attracting the socially conscious investor. This again addresses the issue of climate change, but also focuses on employees’ wellness and social inclusion. 
 
It’s important to realize that 2020 wasn’t a boxed event in time. Rather, it was the year that the crisis that already existed became blatantly apparent. As a community of scientists, it is up to us to educate the world and work together towards healing our planet in the next year.