Covid-19 makes its first appearance in the city and Australian summers are now twice as long as before, but we keep calm and carry on.

Happening in the world: New analysis shows that Australia’s summers are now twice as long as their winters, reports the Australia Institute. Australia is per capita one of the largest carbon emitters in the world and has been particularly hard-hit this year from bushfires, flooding, and other natural disasters due to continued climate change. Despite this report and recent crises, the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison insists Australia is doing all it should in order to meet changing climate needs. (BBC)

Happening in the US: After two months of tremors in Puerto Rico following a 6.7 magnitude earthquake in early January, local and federal workers are still struggling to adequately house and provide aid to the thousands of people who have displaced from their homes. Many makeshift shelters are built in flood-prone areas and offer little protection, especially against the hurricane season looming ahead in June. The situation is exacerbated by the lingering destruction from Hurricane Maria, and critics question whether or not the government has learned at all about how to handle the aftermath of natural disasters. (NYT)

Happening in NYC: The first confirmed case of Covid-19 in New York state was announced last night. This first victim is a woman in her 30s who had recently traveled to Iran, a country currently managing its own outbreak of the coronavirus, and is now in isolation at home. New York City Health Commissioner Oxiris Barbot states that the city is already identifying those in close contact with the victim and insists that even with a first announced case, “New Yorkers remain at low risk for contracting Covid-19.” (NYT)

Happening on campus: Get your tickets now for the MFA Acting Class of 2020’s rendition of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night! Starting tomorrow in the Theatre@Schapiro, performances will run at 10:30 am on weekdays until the 13th of March. (Arts at Columbia)

How to start your week: Go for a walk in Riverside Park and look for the crocuses coming up. Meander down by the Hudson and have a staring contest with the incredibly large geese on the banks. Who says there isn’t nature in the city? Prove them wrong and go find it.

Image of Riverside flowers by Bwogger