Read on Twitter
Had the privilege to hear a powerful speech from
@DrMikeRyan accepting @trocaire Romero award today. He 'went for it' towards the end & I scrambled to try capture some of what he said. This is not 100% verbatim, hopefully transcript out later, but here's the general thrust:
@DrMikeRyan accepting @trocaire Romero award today. He 'went for it' towards the end & I scrambled to try capture some of what he said. This is not 100% verbatim, hopefully transcript out later, but here's the general thrust:
...'We're pushing nature to its limits. We are creating the conditions in which epidemics flourish, much like in medieval Europe. Climate stress, unsustainable food production and transport, exploiting pristine environments - all in the name of globalisation and economic growth'
..'In my view this is a malignancy that is driving unsustainable practices. We are writing cheques we cannot cash as a civilisation, cheques that are going to bounce. My fear is our children will pay that price.'
...'A pandemic in the future with a much higher fatality rate could occur. We have a choice now to prevent this. We cannot do what we did after SARS and Ebola, the stakes are too high.'
..'The seeds for current failures were set before the war began.' The lack of good governance and community empowerment existed before. We're paying a heavy price.'
..'We're prepared to invest trillions in defence against an army that might ever come & almost nothing in the microbes that have brought our civilisation to its knees. Where are we putting our energy? We need a world where slavery to economic growth is taken out of the equation.'
Dr Ryan also very strong on the whole issue of vaccine equity & the fact that current trends suggest it is mainly richer countries that are set to benefit from vaccine pipeline. Potential here to compound inequalities & create horrendous global apartheid. https://www.who.int/campaigns/annual-theme/year-of-health-and-care-workers-2021/vaccine-equity-declaration
Challenging but refreshing to hear real leadership, painting bigger picture, getting to core issues, saying what needs to be said. Let this be an opportunity for fundamental change for the good of people and planet.
Note: hopefully exact quotes will be available via transcript and video in due course. Media reports will no doubt appear soon for more info.
