If this coronavirus crisis has taught us nothing else, it has shown that we cannot do without each other. Human beings, as much as the other animals inhabiting this earth, tend to pull together in their hour of greatest need.

Just as in wartime, save for a selfish minority, we have gathered together for support, comfort and in some cases solace. But why does it require a life-threatening event for people to be there for each other? Why do we act with humanity and humility in this 'virtual world', only for a short period of time in no man's land - and then resume the fighting when all is said to be back to 'business as usual'?

Well, I have some unwelcome news for you. When this battle is over, there is a far greater conflict looming, far worse and longer-lasting than that in which we are engaged at present. This epidemic is but a symptom and precursor of the ever-growing climate crisis that is the cause of many of the difficulties we are facing now and will continue to face in future. It must be addressed before anything like 'normal service' can ever be resumed.

We need to ensure that the community spirit which is rising now at this time of desperation remains in place for the unimaginably trying times ahead. In other words, as soon as this battle with coronavirus is won, if we are to truly move forward and survive as a civilisation on this planet, it is imperative that we go on and defeat the real enemy and win the war against climate change.

Ashley Gunstock

Redbridge Green Party lead spokesperson