Nature ‘is blossoming’ with less human activity during pandemic, says Sussex wildlife expert

People from across the world joined an on-line discussion organised in Horsham about the impact on nature of the Covid-19 outbreak.

The discussion was the sixth lockdown talk launched by Horsham Climate Cafe.

A total aof 113 people booked from England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Uganda and South Africa to tune in to hear Sussex Wildlife Trust president Dr Tony Whitbread talk on Saturday about how nature is blossoming with less human activity.

He highlighted the speed at which animals all round the world have expanded their ranges into towns and cities; the bluer skies and reduction in air pollution; and the fact that people have slowed down and are noticing and valuing more the beauty of the natural world.

His insights prompted questions such as what people can do to engage children in protecting the planet, should ‘ecocide’ be unlawful, and how can we ensure that ‘nature recovery’ continues post-lockdown.

Tony said: “Between two and four new viruses appear every year due to humans’ unhealthy contact with animals. We must replace the ‘old normal’ of consumerism where animals and nature are exploited as commodities with a regenerative culture. All our actions now need to be carbon-positive.

“The message is loud and clear: Protecting nature will reduce the risk of future pandemics.”

You can listen to a podcast of Tony’s talk here: https://www.sussexgreenliving.co.uk/tonywhitbread_climatecafe/

Read his blog here https://www.sussexgreenliving.co.uk/pressing-the-pause-button/

Every Saturday 2-3pm the Horsham Climate Café online meeting takes place using Zoom, to learn more visit https://www.sussexgreenliving.co.uk/horsham-climate-cafe/.

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