Artists, Scientists And Celebrities Say “No To A Return To Normal” In Coronavirus Wake And Call For Action To “Avoid Ecological Disaster”

A group of over 200 scientists, artists and celebrities from around the world has signed an editorial published in the French magazine Le Monde, urging the leaders and members of society “to undertake a profound overhaul of our goals, values, and economies,” in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.

The letter titled “No To A Return To Normal,” was signed by Joaquin Phoenix, Cate Blanchett, Robert De Niro, Barbra Streisand, Madonna, Marion Cotillard, Alejandro G Inarritu, Paolo Sorrentino, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Pedro Almodovar, Penelope Cruz, Nathalie Baye, Monica Bellucci, Willem Dafoe, Rooney Mara and Alfonso Cuaron.

The letter was penned by French star Juliette Binoche and astrophysicist Aurélien Barrau.

The authors are calling the society for action “if we want to avoid ecological disaster” for the sake of the future generations and the planet.

During COVID-19 crisis, the citizens should take time to reexamine what is important.

“The massive extinction of life on Earth is no longer in doubt, and all indicators point to a direct existential threat. Unlike a pandemic, however severe, a global ecological collapse will have immeasurable consequences.”

They also indicate that “pursuit of consumerism” and “an obsession with productivity” have “led us to deny the value of life itself.” 

The group is calling for radical transformation. 

Here’s the full text:

The Covid-19 pandemic is a tragedy. This crisis is, however, inviting us to examine what is essential. And what we see is simple: “adjustments” are not enough. The problem is systemic.

The ongoing ecological catastrophe is a meta-crisis: the massive extinction of life on Earth is no longer in doubt, and all indicators point to a direct existential threat. Unlike a pandemic, however severe, a global ecological collapse will have immeasurable consequences.

We therefore solemnly call upon leaders — and all of us as citizens – to leave behind the unsustainable logic that still prevails and to undertake a profound overhaul of our goals, values, and economies.

The pursuit of consumerism and an obsession with productivity have led us to deny the value of life itself: that of plants, that of animals, and that of a great number of human beings. Pollution, climate change, and the destruction of our remaining natural zones has brought the world to a breaking point.

For these reasons, along with increasing social inequalities, we believe it is unthinkable to “go back to normal.”

The radical transformation we need – at all levels – demands boldness and courage. It will not happen without a massive and determined commitment. We must act now. It is as much a matter of survival as one of dignity and coherence.