Covid-19 and the subsequent political responses have completely upheaved the existing world order. Since the University of Pennsylvania has moved to online learning, and evicted most people from campus, I have been home in New Jersey. To pass time, and to make sure I get some fresh air each day, I go for walks around my neighborhood and on local hiking trails. It has been enjoyable to spend some more time in nature--curated or not. One concept that I’ve been contemplating throughout this pandemic is how society impacts nature and how nature impacts society.
On a recent walk on Hacklebarney State Park’s trails, I noticed the physical marks of people carved into tree trunks. They seem to have been carved mostly by romantic partners; they reflect a desire to make a mark--to leave a trail. One such carving reads, “Sharon + Walter,” and it is carved in a fairly old tree. Sharon and Walter appear to have been here many years prior. The width of the carved letters reflect a passage of time as the tree radially expands each year. The growth rings thicken the letters. Somebody with the initials “J.G.” may have left his or her mark more recently as his letters are significantly thinner.
As the Covid-19 pandemic spreads throughout populations across the globe, the death tolls are rising. Survivors of the virus commonly complain about ongoing respiratory ailments such as shortness of breath. The physical tolls of death and illness are already apparent. The emotional and cultural scars remain to be seen. Will society change after this pandemic? Will we strive for healthier living habits and greater support of social structures? What will happen due to the economic turmoil? Will restaurants and small business close permanently? Will the online marketplace be spurred on by a renewed focus on cleanliness? Will commercial landscape of brick and mortar shops be eliminated? What other scars may this pandemic leave on society? I think it is too soon to know.