Some green shoots of the post-lockdown world are beginning to emerge, but how will we respond? 

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Recently there have been promising signs of a road out of lockdown. While the majority of us remain indoors following government protocols, some businesses vital to the economy have been permitted to reopen with strict safety measures in place. It is a risky but desperate strategy. 

Some fear there may be a second wave of the virus due to a loosening of measures that would result in a deeper state of lockdown than before, this one would last well into next year, until a vaccine can be found. Unfortunately it is already too late for some individuals and businesses who have needed to shut down for good. 

That said there have been some unexpected upshots of the lockdown situation that are impossible to ignore. Prior to the introduction of social-distancing in March, many were calling for a change of attitude and direction in relation to high-carbon practices. The business as usual model could not continue without consequences, they said. If Coronavirus lockdown has had a positive effect in any way, it has given us time to reflect on our future prospects. 

But while a low-carbon future might be the obvious way forward, implementing it seems to be as challenging as ever. Yes, many people have switched their livelihoods to digital enterprises during this time, but many are unable to do this, and simply have to wait for workplaces to re-open. We look at some of the ways we can strike a balance between work, wellbeing, and environmental responsibility. 

The Bike 

Before carbon-intensive travel became the norm, cycling was a highly efficient mode of transport. During the industrial revolution, bicycles were employed by many thousands of people travelling to local jobs in mills, mines, and factories. 

Unfortunately, it was one of the few efficient things about that period of our industrial growth. That said it could be part of the answer to our low-carbon future. 

It’s estimated that cycling could increase from 6% globally to 11% in 2030, with a further rise to 14% in 2050. This is good news for countries striving to meet the COP21 agreement of keeping global temperature rises below 2°C this century. 

Roller Skates 

Roller skates might not seem like an obvious choice but the health benefits of roller skating cannot be understated.

For one thing it’s tremendous for your health and wellbeing allowing you to burn 200 extra calories for just half an hour on the wheels. That’s 400 calories a day if you decide to skate to and from your place of work. Due to the balancing that’s required for this activity it’s fantastic for your core strength, your joints, and your heart. It’s a wonder why more people don’t take it up to increase their health, reduce their commute time, and protect the environment. 

The Skateboard 

Over the years the popularity of skateboarding has risen, tilted, and crashed, almost as often as its aficionados. It is a hobby, a sport, and a mode of transportation, all rolled into one. 

The history of skateboarding is an interesting one. It has grown up from an illicit pastime in places like California, where skaters used dried up swimming pools as half-pipes, to the Olympic sport that it is today – whenever the 2020 games take place, that is. 

But you don’t have to be an Olympian to use a board as a mode of transport. Many people find this a relaxed and efficient – not to mention clean way to get around.