A Revealing Moment in Earth’s Recent History

There is much to learn from this tragic moment. The Coronavirus has brought us an unbearable level of death and suffering. At the same time, the pandemic has revealed so much about the impact of human behavior on the environment, as well as our own health. If we are wise, we should try to understand the truths this virus has uncovered.The outbreaks of COVID-19 around the world showcase the impact of human mobility. In earlier eras, it would have unthinkable that a sickness could spread around the globe in a matter of weeks, if not days. Yet, that’s where we are today. It’s a tragedy for human beings, but we should also note that comparable pandemics could wipe out animals and plants worldwide. Monoculture and mobility don’t mix well. We should prepare ourselves to avert an agricultural catastrophe.The pandemic further reveals the incredible impact of human activity on the environment. Just look at photos of cities like Los Angeles, typically drenched in toxic smog, looking like pristine Alpine vistas. That’s what happens when millions of cars stay off the road for a few days.COVID-19 lockdowns can teach us so much about the grinding effects of consumption on the earth. When people ask, “Why bother with sustainability? What difference does it make to drive a little less and use less plastic?” show them a photo of Los Angeles during the pandemic. That’s your answer: Even a little sustainability can make a big difference.The temporary smog reductions we’re seeing also underscore how petroleum affects the environment. Air quality better, but we are also witnessing an unprecedented collapse in the oil market. Billions of gallons of crude oil are sitting in tanks and ships because there is no demand for the commodity. This spectacle might tell us something about how we drive the market and the market drives us—and how perhaps we could get by with less oil consumption.Finally, the pandemic reveals the power of people working together to solve problems. Here in Italy, we have witnessed many acts of personal courage and selfless collaboration. Our health care workers and others who have come together to fight the disease show us that we, too, can cooperate and effect environmental change.Our work never stops, as the articles in this newsletter demonstrate. We are busy certifying seafood and agricultural producers for sustainable practices. The conservation projects we sponsor are starting to show results. New standards, such as one for sea salt product, broaden our portfolio. As always, there is so much more to be done.