Working together towards carbon-neutral societies

WHEN we look back at this period in five, 10 or 20 years and reflect upon this global pandemic, what will we remember? The debates on the best approach to curb the virus or the distribution of vaccines? Probably not, although these questions very much occupy our minds these days. Our memory is too ephemeral, our times too short-lived.

Two experiences will hopefully linger. First, to grasp what exponential growth actually implies. And what dramatic consequences it can entail in a pandemic as well as in a climate crisis. For decades, researchers have been reporting and warning about the dangers of exponential growth.

The second experience from this pandemic is that we are not helpless if we act resolutely and jointly. With the help of science and common sense, mankind is able to deal with global challenges. It was only a matter of months before effective vaccinations where made available.