The collapse of the past: COVID-19

Abstract

We are faced with a global pandemic, the devastating consequences of which have struck the lives of millions of human beings. The first effect we intuitively sensed was the collapse of the past; a situation in which parallels with the scourges that past civilisations have experienced, as was the case in Rome, are clearly perceptible. The reflections we present in this new journal volume allow us to delve into the causes of this ravage. We try to enrich the debate on how a society can change the paradigms that have led us to this situation. Industrial activities, the conservation of wild fauna, cohabitation with urban animals, social responsibility in the face of climate change, the preservation of biodiversity, animal experimentation, governance of a global sector that requires global agreements beyond the EU, public policies recognising animal sentience, the contribution of an eco-centric ethical awareness. Overall, these are only some of the issues to which we may contribute, in order to know more to treat animals better. This is the moment to take on challenges that can help many to have assurances and stimulation at a time in which improving the lives of animals is equally to improve the lives of citizens.