A chain-smoker develops pneumonia and nearly dies — and quits smoking. An alcoholic is informed by his family they’re leaving — and sobers up. It is well-recognized that a sudden, unexpected shock — frequently painful — can terminate a long and apparently unshakable pattern of self-destruction.

We cannot stop this pandemic if we don’t know who is infected with the coronavirus

Now that we and the rest of Earth’s human population are faced with an utterly explicit planetary crisis, our politicians and the system they work in are mostly shying away from positive change.

It’s time for us all – and especially for our political leaders – to stop dithering and start working hard to protect the planet for the sake of future generations.