By Ang Lai Soon

In possibly one of history's and mankind's worst ever crises and disasters, we apparently have developed a solution almost at the speed of a bullet train. This is a global exercise.

That is indeed an amazing achievement if the success is achieved as claimed. Not only that, but indeed a good cause for celebration as it gives mankind confidence in the otherwise not so cheerful and bleak future.

This incredible achievement could also lead to other problems being solved, such as a cure for cancers and other incurable diseases, and indeed our colossal environmental problem, the climate change.

It appears that when we do put our minds to it, the human race can overcome insurmountable problems and triumph over the worst that Nature might have for the human race.

We hope that 2021 will see the human race entering a completely new phase of relationship with planet Earth, beginning a move from exploitation to guardianship of all its bounty in all its aspects.

The steps taken to counter the pandemic have undeniably improved the environment.

In our rush to pre-pandemic activity, we must recognize that the problem of global warming leading to increasingly unstable climatic conditions needs to be addressed.

Let us ensure that 2021 begins a "long march" to living in equilibrium with Nature before it is too late. Let us learn to treasure life in all its beauty, not just that of the humans, the importance of fostering life in all its forms, maintaining the complexity of the global integrated ecosystem, and most importantly of recognizing that life in all its forms is sacrosanct.

Happy New Year to all, wherever you may be!

(Datuk Seri Ang Lai Soon is Sarawak social activist, philanthropist, founder of St John's Ambulance Sarawak.)