COVID-19 has quickly shut down global schools, travel, and production. Its effect on society is nearly unprecedented. Climate activist Greta Thunberg remarks that while the global event is catastrophic, it does demonstrate the human ability to act fast in the face of a crisis

Thunberg, who believes it extremely likely that she suffered from a case of the virus herself, has been self-isolating for several weeks but has reached out online to offer support and encouragement during this time of uncertainty. 

Although the climate crisis will manifest differently than a global pandemic, it warrants a similar level of global response from governments, corporations, and individuals. “Though it must be in a different way to how we have acted in this case, we can act fast and change our habits and treat a crisis like a crisis,” said Thunberg. 

Thunberg urges that social distancing does not mean the end of climate activism. Climate activists have taken their weekly actions digital with the hashtag #ClimateStrikeOnline. She urged her followers to listen to the advice of experts and continue to practice activism online and at home. 

COVID-19 has impacted the entire globe and has drawn out swift action and leadership rarely seen before on such an international scale. Although under unfortunate circumstances, this global call to action demonstrates that humans have the capacity to enact fast change on a global scale when faced with an immense challenge. Our experience of collective action to coronavirus indicates we have the power and ability to address climate change if we make the conscious global decision to do so.