The Environmental Impact of Covid-19

By Shreya Rohatgi

Life today is often described as something out of a dystopian novel. In just a few months, the world has experienced the horrific aspects of the coronavirus pandemic, millions of people being affected by the disease. Whether illness, business closings, or simply the drastic ways that lives have been affected, our society’s roadblocks seem to be changing for the worse. 

In Wuhan, China, the city where the virus allegedly originated, the citizens must follow a strict lockdown, leaving the streets entirely deserted. Italy has also implemented severe travel restrictions; the most extreme since the Second World War. Bustling urban areas like New York City have come to a halt as people are advised to stay at home. 

Since the first reported case, the coronavirus has had an international impact. While we’ve all understood aspects of how detrimental the situation is, it’s important to highlight the undeniably positive changes that have come about due to the virus. 

Due to the drastic measures of mass quarantine and efforts of social distancing, high levels of air pollution have decreased and greenhouse gas emissions have reduced greatly. 

“Compared with this time last year, levels of pollution in New York have reduced by nearly 50% because of measures to contain the virus.” 

Along with these large cities, popular tourist locations have reverted to much cleaner environments due to the pandemic’s precautions.

“Residents of Venice are noticing a vast improvement in the quality of the famous canals that run through the city, which are running clear for the first time in years, and fish can even be seen in the usually murky waters.” 

With these ecological benefits such procedures introduced, the limits placed on traveling can now be spent re-strategizing the use of energy, which could lead to more efficient systems once quarantine ends. 

It’s important to note that, while our planet has slowly begun to reverse the negative impact humans have caused over the years, eco-friendly efforts must still be in place once our lives return to normal. 

Healthcare workers and hospitals have generated incredible amounts of biohazard waste, and many people are turning to fast food companies contributing to more significant amounts of single-use plastics.

Now more than ever, remaining conscious about our individual carbon footprints can make a monumental difference— especially when humanity bands together and follows this ideology across the world.

Covid-19 has caused so much devastation,  and though each new day is encountered with uncertainty, one fact remains the same: it will be only when a universal understanding of social distancing is reached that humanity will be able to lower the curve.

Both quotes pulled from BBC News