The mining newspaper for Alaska and Canada's North
The mining newspaper for Alaska and Canada's North
The world will be different once the pandemic passes – and it will pass – let's work together to create a brighter future
In what may be the world's grandest example of the Butterfly Effect, a microscopic organism in China has caused a hurricane of change for every person on Earth.
In what may be the world's grandest example of the Butterfly Effect, a microscopic organism in China has caused a hurricane of change for every person on Earth.
For now, this change is uncomfortable, to put it mildly, as we adjust to an ever-shifting landscape of social distancing, working from home (or not at all), wild swings in the financial markets, and growing numbers of COVID-19 infected and fatalities.
Many have stated that the world reaction to this newest strain of coronavirus is creating a panic that is doing more harm to humanity than the disease would if left unchecked. Admittedly, I have had these thoughts myself as I watched mining companies' stock price fall through the floor, and people wipe grocery shelves clean of toilet paper and most other goods – both essential and non-essential.
But, I must agree with Darrin Peppard, a superintendent who told his students at a school in Colorado, "In the end, it will be impossible to know if we overreacted or did too much, but it will be quite apparent if we underreacted or did too little."
Profound – I am not sure if Darrin's school has philosophy class, but the students there got a Socrates-esque quote during what was likely the last day of in-school class for the year.
Following the wise words of Peppard, I urge you not to do too little – now and after the winds of change have blown by.
Of course, the most important thing right now is to slow the spread of COVID-19 by:
• Staying at home as much as possible and practicing social distancing when you must go out.
• Practice good hygiene and respiratory etiquette (cover coughs).
• Stay at home if you feel or are sick.
• If someone in your home tests positive for coronavirus keep entire household at home.
• If you are older or have an underlying health condition, stay at home.
The other thing we can do is to go the extra mile for our elders and those with underlying conditions – check to see if they need anything and help to ensure that they do not need to go out in public and risk infection.
It is in our power to make the best of these uncertain times. Let us all take advantage of these next few weeks to enjoy the company of those closest to us – talk, play, laugh, love and create memories that will be cherished long after this global event has passed us by.
Although the coming days and weeks will continue to be filled with uncertainty, one thing we can be sure of is the world that emerges from the Coronavirus Effect will be much different than the one that entered it.
So, take this extra time afforded by our self-isolation to ponder what that world should look like and when these winds of change have blown by – and they will – emerge from your COVID-19 bunker and create that world!
As a journalist and an optimist, I am looking forward to seeing and reporting on the world you invent. As a friend, colleague and fellow man, I wish you and yours good health, happiness and prosperity – today, tomorrow and in the brighter future ahead for mankind.
Over his more than 16 years of covering mining and mineral exploration, Shane has become renowned for his ability to report on the sector in a way that is technically sound enough to inform industry insiders while being easy to understand by a wider audience.
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