Coronavirus and Climate Change: The intersection of action and mitigation

I am unable to stop noticing how similarly the efforts to stem the most serious impacts of climate change mirror efforts being made to stem the most serious impacts of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

With regard to climate change we have been saying (for a very, very long) time, that we must act. We encourage individuals to do their part: refuse single use plastics by carrying their own reusable bags and bamboo utensils and straws everywhere they go, reduce consumption, reuse, repurpose, and recycle ♻️ recycle ♻️ recycle ♻️. We implore governments, businesses and corporations to believe the science and take bold actions to reduce their carbon footprints; to follow the recommendations of the scientists and environmentalists. We know that every individual action can and does make a positive difference in our collective efforts to save the planet from the most horrible impacts of climate change. We know from history that individual actions when taken together push governments, businesses and corporations to take actions they otherwise wouldn’t take. We are now in a climate crisis or climate emergency because action has been slow to achieve to tip the scales that move those bigger GHG emitters. Time is of the essence. Every minute and every climate action matters.

With regard to the novel coronavirus, we are hearing that we must act. We as individuals must follow science-based recommendations regarding washing our hands: with soap and warm water for twenty seconds or as long as it takes you to sing Happy Birthday to yourself. We must also not touch our faces (so shocked at how often I touch my face!). And, also important, to not go out if you are sick; and self-quarantine if you’ve been exposed to the virus. We are hearing that businesses, governments and corporations must do more: provide more testing and make ready the healthcare sector for the impact this virus will have, cancel large gatherings, conferences, and travel. We are hearing that individual action can stem the spread of this new virus, and will likely ensure that we can mitigate the worst case scenario. We must follow the guidelines being set forth by experts- scientists and physicians. All of our collective actions must be brought to bear against this health crisis to prevent the worst outcomes from befalling us. We know from history that our safety and health depend on people doing their part and governments and businesses doing their parts. Just like with regard to climate change. We must join together and do our best to save our people, animals and planet.

And the question that remains for both climate change and coronavirus is: Will we?

Will we listen to the experts, follow the science and undertake as many climate actions as we possibly can while pushing governments and businesses to make big changes too? Will we do as much as we can, including social distancing-avoiding big groups of people or gatherings and staying home when we are sick or exposed to sickness to stem the outbreak and spread of the coronavirus?

We will see.

Running For Preparedness

Survivor Strong Memorial 5K Run and Fun Walk, August 2015

The mark of a truly successful event is having volunteers ask to be part of the same event next year. The mark of a successful charity (non-profit, in this case) and charity event is having volunteers ask, “What are you doing next? I want to help with everything you are doing.” And, the mark of a non-profit’s successful mission or relevance is its ability to bring known and well regarded personalities to attend, speak at, and promote the mission and efforts of your non-profit. The National Center for Citizen Safety (NCCSAFE) had all of the above and more at the first Survivor Strong Memorial 5K run and fun walk.

Volunteers Getting Ready for the Race!

The founder and president of NCCSAFE, Lois Blevins, invited me to work at her non-profit this summer to help with the 5K and other projects. I was excited to bring my experience running events to this effort. NCCSAFE is headquartered in Ellicott City, Maryland, and was started just over a year ago in response to the alarming rise in “active shooter” situations and other acts of domestic terrorism. Its mission is to fill the gap in educating the public on what to do if they find themselves in this type of life threatening situation; to be a repository for information and resources for survivors of such incidents; and to provide survivors with healing camps and retreats. The NCCSAFE has several initiatives started that will continue to promote citizen awareness and preparedness, but the 5K run was a major fund- and awareness-raiser.

Gathering for the Race Start

Eyeing the Finish Line!

Her team of volunteers and college interns did an amazing job, and the compliments keep pouring in through word of mouth and social media. I was happy to coordinate the volunteers for the day, and was asked by several about how to volunteer with NCCSAFE year round, as well as for next year’s 5K.

Survivors, Sponsor, Staff and Interns!

In addition to enjoying a well organized and well run event with great food, beverages, and SWAG, the participants and spectators heard inspiring words from three speakers, who know first hand how horrible living through shootings and domestic terrorism is. Hector Hernandez conducted responder recovery at the Oklahoma City bombing at the Alfred P. Murrah Building, where he once worked. Michele Gay, a former Howard County resident, who lost her daughter Josephine Grace in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, CT, is a founder of Safe and Sound: A Sandy Hook Initiative. And, Erika Brannock, also a Maryland native, who lost her leg in the Boston Marathon bombing, is currently writing a book. All three were very supportive of NCCSAFE’s mission and spoke of the need for the type of information and advocacy that NCCSAFE provides during the pre-race ceremony. I was so happy to be a part of such a positive event for such a worthwhile cause. 

Hector Hernandez, Erika Brannock and Michele Gay, Event Speakers

Photo Credit to Ellie and Fred McKenzie

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April is Adult Learn-to-Swim Month

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We, at our Masters club (the Columbia Masters in Howard County, MD), are very excited that the charitable arm of United States Masters Swimming, the Swimming Saves Lives Foundation (SSL) has declared April Adult Learn-To-Swim month. We think that many adults would like to learn how to swim, but maybe haven't had an opportunity to do so or considered doing so… Until now… We are using this nationwide campaign as the impetus to consider potentially developing programs we can use to get interested adults in the pool. And, to hopefully be able to expand the learn-to-swim opportunities that we and our pools already offer. In fact, by declaring April Adult Learn-to-Swim Month, the Swimming Saves Lives Foundation helps us start the conversation. We are thrilled about trying to bring this life (and lifesaving) skill to adults, and are eager to do so. We also believe that most adults would prefer to be taught how to swim by their adult peers. And, who better than Masters swimmers to teach and encourage them?

So, tell me, do you know how to swim? If not, what would motivate you to learn? If so, are you a part of a Masters swimming program or triathlon group that swims together? If you belong to a club, does your club offer adult learn-to-swim lessons? If so, what types of programs have it offered. What types of programming is the most popular with your population/in your area?

I would love to hear your thoughts on Adult Learn-to-Swim programs.

 

 

 

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For Fitness and Community Service

The snow definitely didn't miss us. It shut down just about everything. I missed the chance to shovel the 12 or so inches off the driveway because John got out there with the snowblower. It's really hard to argue against using it. There was a ton of heavy, heavy snow, and John had it cleared in no time. So, for my exercise and the chance to get outside the house before I went stir crazy, I chose to go around my immediate neighborhood area and clear the snow from around fire hydrants and storm drains. I found two hydrants that weren't too buried and six storm drains that were. John couldn't understand why I would undertake such an exercise in futility where the storm drains were concerned given that the plows hadn't come through yet. But, I finally convinced him I was shoveling as much for exercise as to be a good citizen, so that was that. After a mild patch during the day, the sleet started followed by more snow around dinner time. We heard from both kids, and they were loving life. Neither of them had classes today. Alex has already heard that there will be no classes at his school tomorrow either. They are getting hit very hard in the south with this storm. I got outside again this evening for round two of shoveling and snow blowing. There was already 2 or 3 inches on the driveway. I did some shoveling, while John was behind the snow blower. The snow was still coming down as we finished up. We will be so grateful when the weather starts to warm up and the days get longer.

 

 

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Swimming, Shopping, Snow Preparations

 

I got a call from a friend this evening. She started out the conversation with, “It's time to panic!” I said, “Where are you, the grocery store?” I figured she was in a crowded store trying to do some last minute stocking up. Nope. She was on her way home from work. The snow had just started to fall and was already starting to accumulate on the roads. So, it doesn't look like this one is going to miss us. But, it's still early.

Luckily, earlier today, we were able to spring my mom from the hospital. She was supposed to be discharged tomorrow, and we had already begun mentally devising ways in which were going to get her and her newly replaced knee home in potentially a foot of snow. It was looking a bit tricky. But, fortunately she passed all of her tests today and was released. I was glad to be able to get both of my parents settled in well before whatever comes snow-wise.

Speaking of preparation, the other night when we were starting to do some pre-snowstorm shopping, John and I ended up having to go to two different grocery stores. The first one we went to was out of bananas. The snow panic had already started and it was only Monday! Who knew bananas qualified as “comfort food.” Anyway, I observed that there were literally dozens of couples around our age and older at the store. It was packed with them. I couldn't believe it. It was almost as if the store was offering discounts for older couples shopping together. I still can't believe I'm old enough to be an Empty Nester. It just doesn't seem possible. So, seeing this, this “thing” where we were doing what old people were doing… Well, lets just say, I noticed. Then, at the second store, I noticed it there too. It wasn't as crowded as the first store, but there were still a handful of couples shopping together. It's just an Empty Nest observation.

My friend Sue is getting to try out the Empty Nest this week, while her youngest is in Florida for a dance trip. This morning I made a comment about when she and her husband start grocery shopping together or something along those lines. She looked at me questioningly and said, “We don't grocery shop together (with the implied, What are you, crazy?”). And, I looked at her and said, “ You will. We didn't used to either. It appears to be a thing.”

Today was a great day at the pool! I not only got my swim practice in, I got the Winter Water Challenge long-sleeved t-shirt I earned. It is the cutest shirt. I earned it for swimming over 1000 minutes since the beginning of January (I think it's 1000 minutes.). Yay, me! Now, I have a cute penguin shirt to wear out to shovel. Thanks, CA and Swim Center for a fun and motivational activity. There are a lot of people swimming a lot of hours at that facility! It's a great way to stay healthy over the winter! Cheers to keeping us Empty Nesters (among others) healthy!

 

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