We can see clearly now

It would be easy to become depressed about the effects of the coronavirus pandemic - it has caused a lot of suffering. However, it is part of human nature to look for the positive in things, to wonder if any good has, or will, come out of them.

One positive result of this pandemic, and the numerous national lockdowns introduced to restrict the spread of the disease, has been the immediate improvement in the environment. As factory, vehicle and aeroplane emissions have rapidly reduced, many parts of the world have much less polluted air. For example, in China there has been a 25 per cent reduction in carbon emissions, and a 50 per cent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions. Oddly, this may have saved over 75,000 lives, among those people more susceptible to poor air quality. This reduction in emissions will have slowed the process of global warming – at least in the very short term. The noticeable benefits of unpolluted air have also triggered a shift towards governments investing in greener energy systems, and to individuals walking or cycling more, rather than using types of transport which emit fumes. Unfortunately, the pandemic will also have provided cover for some illegal activities, such as further deforestation and increased poaching. But it is the improved air quality which is the most obvious result for millions of people. For example, in many parts of India, you can now see much further – as in the photographs at the top. In the northern plains of the country, huge numbers of people can once again see the Himalayas in the distance. For the younger generations, this will be the first time they have ever been able to see them!

Another positive result is that there have been subtle shifts towards the appreciation that all mankind is one, and that everybody is in this together. This is not yet universal, especially in areas less affected by the disease. But there is a much greater recognition that all human beings live, suffer and die in the same way, whatever background they are from. During the period of the pandemic, other events have contributed to this sense of oneness. The avoidable death in custody of George Floyd has re-ignited the “Black Lives Matter” movement, and the protests that the event has sparked – despite the risk of increased disease transmission – are showing that people of all races increasingly believe that no race should be left behind in humanity’s search for a better future. In 1985, the Universal House of Justice, which is the Bahá’í world body, described racism as “one of the most baneful and persistent evils”. They also said that it is an outrageous violation of the dignity of human beings. Ordinary people from many backgrounds are responding to the truth of this statement.

People in general are also being more caring towards one another. Huge numbers have volunteered to deliver food to those isolated by the illness, or by a susceptibility to the illness. People have cooked food for those less able to do so for themselves or for hard-pressed medical staff; others have donated food to food banks. Yet others have set up instant food banks where none existed. People have delivered medicines to those isolated at home. People have regularly phoned those who are isolated, just for a chat. Many retired doctors, nurses and others have come back to work, in a desire to be of service to others.

In the world at large there have been other major effects of the pandemic. In a number of countries, reports suggest that rival armies have called for ceasefires, to allow for preparation for the medical onslaught. Their common humanity is threatened by the virus, and in these circumstances their historic rivalries seem somehow less important. It seems ironic that a virus taking away human lives may have the effect of stopping human beings from themselves taking human lives.

Across the world, there will be a great need for the cautious easing of restrictions, and almost certainly a need for some economic restructuring when the pandemic recedes. There may be some general feeling that a fairer economy should be developed. There may be more of a common feeling among humanity that we have all faced a problem – indeed, a common enemy - together. This may lead us to be more tolerant, and to overlook the petty differences which we allow to divide us, and lead us to a greater consciousness of mankind being one. There is reference in the Bahá’í Writings to a process which “forges mankind into a unified body through the fires of suffering”. The unfortunate arrival of this virus in the human population certainly seems to be taking on this role at the moment.

Human beings are learning that pulling together helps in all situations. Countries are learning to look at what is being done elsewhere, to see what works, instead of blindly forging ahead on their own path. Some people are now calling for a greater unity in support of whatever institutions have been set up to protect us world-wide. So following the guidance put out by the World Health Organisation becomes a necessary over-riding principle, rather than concentrating on its possible short-comings as an institution. Much of the population has been respecting the rules brought in by the respective governments, understanding that these rules are there for the sake of everybody’s protection. Social media have now realised the necessity of trying to remove the misinformation and conspiracy theories which have abounded among those who distrust the “mainstream” media.

We can see clearly now that mankind needs to establish much stronger world-wide institutions, with the authority and the resources to prepare for the next epidemic which is sure to occur at some time. The nations of the world need to form some kind of world government which can ensure unified action, and can direct a clearer response to any emergency. Bahá’u’lláh, the Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, was already urging this step in the nineteenth century. It is based on the principle which He stated, that “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” He urged each individual person: “Let your vision be world-embracing, rather than confined to your own self.” There is a need for an authority beyond those self-serving political leaders who down-play the threat from COVID-19, or even manipulate the statistics to serve their own ends. The need for such global institutions is also clear when considering environmental and climatic problems. A way forward must be found which can be recognised as being for the good of all. The need for world unity, to achieve global results, is becoming clearer at the present time.