MY! ENVIRONMENT DURING THE PANDEMIC

After the lockdown was announced in many countries, there was evidently less traveling done by people, whether it was by their own cars or by trains and flights. Even industries are closed due to the pandemic and are now allowed to function which has given some positive relief to the air quality. The pollution in the air has dropped significantly as this marked the decline in nitrous oxide emission. 

Climate Change has been headline news for quite some time, and the irreversible effects that humans have imposed on the environment have been highlighted over and over again. While it all still holds true, this pandemic has shown us that when the world comes together and slows down the chains of production and consumption, we can have massive positive outcomes on nature. And most importantly, nature can bounce back. Mother Nature is showing us just how powerful she truly is.

Here are some ways in which the Earth has bounced back during this global quarantine:

1. The Himalaya’s are visible for the first time in years

According to several news outlets and social media accounts, residents in Northern India are reporting that they are finally able to see the top of the Himalayas after 30 years.

India’s Central Pollution Control Board unveiled that Delhi has seen up to 44% reduction in PM10 air pollution levels on the first day of restrictions.

2. Air quality has improved

 

European Space Agency satellites have shown reduced levels of Nitrogen Dioxide Emissions—levels that have not been seen since 1955. “With over 70% fewer cars on the roads.

 

 

and 20% less generation from power stations, including 75% lower particulate emissions, and 50% lower carbon monoxide, with declines in other harmful greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen”. As most people were forced to work from home globally. Many factories were forced to shut down as well, causing a 25% decrease in emissions, as well as a 40% decrease in coal usage.

3. Sea turtles are coming back

Sea turtles are coming back with the number of nests already exceeding last year’s numbers. With the beaches closed, there is significantly less plastic pollution infiltrating the beaches allowing for sea turtles to build without any interruptions. Usually, with human activity on the beaches, the sea turtles’ nests get impacted due to trampling, people digging, and even artificial light at night.

4. Clean water bodies

With less human interaction and activities around the ocean beaches due to government restrictions and lockdown, the water bodies seem to be clearing themselves and recovering quite well. There are clean and clear water bodies and better water flow.

Let us know how else the pandemic has affected the environment.

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