This is what a perfect storm looks like

A series of environmental, economic and social crises that overwhelm the capacity of states and communities to respond, adapt and rejuvenate

Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, the year had already begun on uncertain terms. Australia’s forest fires were raging, having burned through 186,000 square kilometres. In February, maximum temperatures in Antarctica hit a highest ever 18.3oC, signalling worsening climate change. Commodity prices were struggling. A slowing global economy had translated into lower demand — and depressed prices — for oil. 

Now, things have worsened. As the disease escalated, cities, countries and regions went into lockdown. Russia’s refusal to cut oil output any further (to hold up prices) led to Saudi Arabia flooding the market with more oil, resulting in a crash in