Many of us are dealing with uncertainty, fear, loss of livelihoods, and anxiety about the future. Some of us are doing our best to adapt. And many of us are looking for ways to help each other. In these unprecedented and challenging times, caring for one another is the highest priority.
As the world continues to trap in to help slow the spread of Covid-19, one of the most interesting phenomena taking place is the creative, quirky, and inspiring ways from people across Africa and beyond to cope with the pandemic.
We recently asked a few of our organisers to talk about how they’re dealing with being quarantined at home.
There are so many parallels between the climate crisis and the global COVID-19 pandemic. It’s global in scope. Historically marginalized communities are the most impacted. And corporations, including Big Oil, are trying their hardest to push politicians to put profit before people.
Many of us are longing for lockdowns to end and normal life to return. But we need to remember that “normal” was already a crisis. “Normal” was greed and inequality, poverty, destruction of nature, and climate breakdown.
Despite the growing uncertainty that produces all kinds of feelings in us and our communities, this is not the time to be discouraged. This is rather an opportunity to respond creatively, to take care of each other, and to demonstrate solidarity with the most vulnerable and affected ones.
The period of rebuilding and recovery after the Covid-19 crisis opens up choices, and we need to choose to build back a better and more just world. Our covid-19 response must put people and the planet – not corporations and polluting industries – first. It’s time to demonstrate Ubuntu values and that together Africans are stronger than COVID-19. It’s time for a Just Recovery from COVID-19.
We would also like to hear from you: tell us what’s going on in your neighbourhood, or community. How are you coping and responding? Your knowledge and experience can help many across the world. Send us a picture and/or a video.
By Landry Ninteretse, 350Africa.org Managing Director.