I Caused COVID-19
I am at least complicit in the opportunity that this strain found a hospitable host and a path to a pandemic. Viruses don't exist without a living being that allows it to grow and thrive inside it. As the world population continues to grow unabated, we are offering up potential sacrifices just by the increased numbers. Population growth is the primary cause of food and water shortages, environmental degradation, and a system of produce and consume that is running amok. The demand curves are easy to understand for resources where we are in the supply chain. We have accepted and expected that scale would solve the problems we are creating. Now population growth has become an infrastructure barrier.
My privilege also is contributing to the spread of viruses like COVID-19. I am able to move from one location to another unencumbered by any explanation of necessity. We go where we want, when we want, however, we want - carrying elements from previous touchpoints with us. The privilege of entitlement validates my desires and justifies any actions I take. If I want to consume live animals, travel when I am sick, or get my hair cut because I want to, there is no necessity to explain the choice because individual desires have become imperative.
If I sound judgemental, it is because I am. I started by admitting my culpability in the current and impending crises, partially as a provocative device but also because I want to become more deliberate in my thinking and intentional in my actions.
Rant Over,
B