In more ways than one, COVID-19 has actually helped our environment. Since humans are now self-isolating, they are no longer going outside and damaging the world—and it is astonishing to see how large our impact is. Here are some things that have changed in the world since humans have stayed inside:
- The water flowing through the canals of Venice is clear for the first time in years
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Locals in Venice have noticed that the water running through the canals is actually clear, with small fish visibly swimming around. Since there is much less traffic on the canals due to humans self-isolating, air quality has improved significantly and the city’s environment has thrived due to decreased over-tourism.
- Japan now has deer roaming freely in the streets
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Since restaurants, stores, tours, and temples in Japan are closed, the deer are using the whole environment as their playground—while most deer stay within grassy parks, some have begun to wander off onto the empty streets and vacant lots. Deer have always been very valued and appreciated animals in Japan, and now they are able to freely roam the country.
- China has seen record-breaking pollution cuts
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Satellite images released by NASA show a significant reduction in nitrogen dioxide emissions in China due to the efforts made to reduce the virus. The visible cloud of toxic gas lying over industrial powerhouses has almost disappeared. China contributes 30% of the world’s Carbon Dioxide emissions annually, so this decrease in pollution is very big news.
- The release of dangerous particulate matter and greenhouse gases in India has gone down a historic 71%
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People living in Delhi have not seen such blue skies in the past 10 years, so the silver lining of this pandemic is that citizens can finally step outside and breathe. Reduced fossil fuel emissions have slowed down other air pollutants, as well. As horrible as this Coronavirus crisis is, it presents India with the opportunity to invest in a clean energy future.
- Carbon Monoxide emissions have been halved in New York City
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Instructions to avoid unnecessary travel are having a significant impact in New York. According to researchers at Columbia University, emissions of Carbon Monoxide due to cars and trucks have fallen by about 50% this week. There have also been solid drops in methane and Carbon Dioxide as well. This is actually the cleanest New Yorkers have ever seen their city.
Even though this pandemic has caused a horrible amount of distress and damage, there is a silver lining: the environment is improving. If we stop focusing on what we’ve done wrong in the past, maybe we can use this time to figure out what we can do right in the future.
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