There has been a lot written about the changes in lifestyle because of the pandemic of the latest coronavirus. And many people have pointed out the environment changes, decreases in pollution levels, and of course the reduced levels of carbon in the atmosphere due to the near cessation of aviation. There is also talk of changes in direction of business and the corporate world with calls to government to put green issues to the fore.
This comes as no surprise to me, as I recall that during the economic crisis a decade or so ago, there was a similar phenomenon, and businesses started to think green. At the time I was the CEO of the World Land Trust (I stepped down last year, so several months before the covid outbreak), and I recall that businesses were approaching WLT, because they saw that having environmentally aligned business practices, gave them a marketing edge. Consequently, the economic crisis, although it did hit many charities, led to a spurt in the income growth of WLT.
I read in the charity press that covid has hit charities hard — particularly those that rely on high street shops to generate income, but I wonder what the broader impact is. In many charities, income goes up when there is a very cold winter — a simple correlation between increased death rates (which generate legacies). But what will be the impact of covid? Undoubtedly there will be a spike in legacies, but the broader issue is: will environmental charities benefit? Will more people join their local wildlife Trust, will the RSPB recruit more members, because people have been sitting watching the birds in their garden? Will people take more interest in their Carbon footprints and offset it (hopefully with the World Land Trust)? It is a perfect time for all conservation groups to raise their profile, both to the public at large but also for corporate engagement. What started out for many charities with a reach for the panic button, should also be seen as a major opportunity. So spread the message, get friends and family all to join at least one wildlife conservation group. The lockdown has demonstrated very clearly how those in rural areas, those with access to parks, and those with large gardens have enjoyed it most. I am still enjoying it, being one of those people fortunate enough to have a largish garden. But we should all work together to save as much of the natural world as possible.
John Andrew Burton 