What happens when Nature Clicks the Anthropause Button?

Wildlife scientists are currently researching the impacts of ‘anthropause’- the beneficial effects on wildlife due to a dramatic reduction in human activity during the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdowns, says a report by Erik Stokstad in Science magazine recently. The study funded by the National Science Foundation, USA, has, for instance, found that with less boat traffic whale habitats are thriving and whales are beginning to move around freely, without fear of injury. According to the report, more than 300 researchers have indicated they have relevant animal tracking data from 180 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, fish and sharks across almost 300 study populations from all continents and oceans. All studies thus far indicate that with less human movement and intervention, other species are beginning to display less fear and stress.

We have been operating with a huge sense of entitlement, with the attitude that everything on the planet and all resources are there for human consumption, and all other species are less important than the human species. Most of us take the earth, the environment and other species for granted. Increased footballs in sensitive zones including the oceans- due to a surge in global travel by more people in the last couple of decades- have been fouling ecosystems. During the pandemic, tourist footballs and air, road and sea traffic had abated and so wildlife began breathing easier.

Interestingly, the word ‘anthropause’, that means cessation of human activity, sounds similar to andropause, which refers to male menopause. Andropause happens with decrease in testosterone levels. Testosterone is a hormone found more in male gender than in the female gender, and this hormone is associated with aggression and virility. High testosterone levels have been linked to high levels of aggression and criminal tendencies. Decrease in the male hormone, testosterone, mutes feelings of aggression and recklessness.

Perhaps now that we know the benefits of anthropause, we also need to undergo conditions somewhat similar to andropause, to mute out reckless behaviour in relation to other species, the environment and also in relation to our own species. That would make us behave in a less criminal, exploitative and aggressive manner and help us cultivate positive attributes like compassion, altruism and kindness.

Tibetan spiritual leader the XIV Dalai Lama, talks of the need to deal with climate change and other environmental challenges with the help of scientific studies and spiritual teachings. His book titled ‘Our only home: A Climate Appeal to the World’ co-authored with German environmental journalist Franz Alt, appeals to policy makers, the general public and youth to pay heed to this issue and workout solutions. In 2018, the volume, ‘Ecology, Ethics and Interdependence’, shared the outcome of the Mind Life Dialogue held in Dharmshala in 2011 with scientists, monks and theologians. The Dalai Lama advocates holistic education to create greater awareness of the interrelatedness and interdependence of life, with scientific and value-based knowledge that will equip us to face the future.

Besides theistic and non-theistic religions, we need a third religion, common sense, says the Dalai Lama, in his characteristic,way. “The Earth is our home, and our home is on fire,” he says. And it is common sense to take necessary action to put out that fire. We didn’t and Nature hit the anthropause button.

Matter referenced:

Narayani Ganesh, Times Group, Times of India, Ahmedabad, Tuesday, 18th August, 2020.

By: Dr. Bhawana Asnani.

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