Contradictheory: Blowing our chances to hit the reset button


We could have taken the opportunity provided by Covid-19-triggered lockdowns to double down on renewable energy and decommission ageing, inefficient coal-fired power stations while power consumption was reduced – but, sadly, we didn’t. — AFP

There’s a very famous comic book called Watchmen, where (spoilers ahead!) a fictional alien invasion force is invented in an attempt to get the United States and Russia to stop the nuclear-age cold war between them and instead unite against a common foe. In 2020, Covid-19 presented the world with a similar opportunity to show that we could put our differences aside to fight a global threat. Yet we failed to rise to the occasion and stubbornly bickered over many things – including, in the early stages, whether the virus itself was a real threat or not.

When it comes to humanity, I am an optimist. I would like to think that our natural state is on the side of the better angels. That, when given the chance to find common ground, we can.

Subscribe to The Star Yearly Premium Plan for 30% off

Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Full access to Web and App.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.39/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Living

Malaysian students create online magazine to celebrate art and writing
Heart And Soul: Beneath the gentle smile of a caring aunt
Choosing the best food for your dog
Seeds of hope: Orang Asli woman farmer unites community through agriculture
The road to wealth? Why formerly Roman-populated areas remain richer
Labubu is not the first toy craze: From Tamagotchi to Beanie Babies, a history of viral toys
Centuries-old oil wrestling festival once again draws crowds in Turkiye
Alpha males are rare among our fellow primates: scientists
Western croissants and pizzas find unlikely home in mountainous Chinese county
Underground bunkers are booming again in Europe

Others Also Read