The dreadful new reality of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, has drastically changed daily lives in an abundance of different ways. This global pandemic has decreased the mental health of many, shifted the plans and traditions of families, and is even the cause of unemployment. While all are true, COVID has had an abundance of impacts that reflect positively on our environment.
The deadly coronavirus originally emerged in Wuhan, China in December of 2019. This disease has caused over 47.3 million cases and 1.21 million deaths worldwide. The world itself is struggling to control the abrupt spread of the newly found disease. China and other affected countries took part in the protective practices to help improve the disease of COVID-19. Hypotheses and investigations spread in hopes of identifying the cause and a possible cure for the virus.
For years, climate change has found its way to the top of the nation’s list of causes in need of attention. Climate change has taken a toll on the health of the environment, and humans are the main cause. Of course, there is an abundance of natural causes including natural fires, volcanoes, ocean currents, earth’s orbital changes, etc. However, fossil fuels burned through transportation, fires started by humans, cutting down rainforests, and even farming livestock contribute to about 97 percent of the overall climate change (Scientific Consensus: Earth’s Climate is Warming). Almost every human activity affects this global situation at least a meager amount.
During the first several of months of COVID, the world began to shut down and roads were eerily empty with the lack of travel. Even though many will argue the misfortune of it all, environmentalists and those in tune with Earth claim that the pandemic may be one of the more positive things to occur for our environment. Larissa Fedunik-Hofman, writer of the article, What Impact Will COVID-19 Have On The Environment?, confronts the reader with scientifically proven facts including statistical data to assist with reassuring people when it comes to the positive effects of coronavirus. Lockdowns and quarantine have allowed air pollution to drop significantly; levels of nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and small particulate matter became scarce within the first couple of months. Between January 1, 2020 through January 20, 2020, the mean tropospheric nitrogen dioxide density levels were a majority between 250 and 380 and even got up higher than 500. Between February 10, 2020 and February 25, 2020, the mean of nitrogen dioxide levels receded to 0-125 with extremely minute sections of 150. (Australian Academy of Science) The early decline of toxicity can, and did, only last for so long.
As time progressed, cities started opening up, and people were back on the road. The lack of control of the people in the United States has surpassed the beneficial effects of staying inside. Without proper structure, how will the environment and the global pandemic improve?
The constant fluctuation of air pollution only goes to prove the position humans have on climate change, greenhouse gasses, etc. According to Fedunik-Hofman, “... pollutant is mostly emitted from burning fossil fuels in transportation, industry and electricity generation…” (Fedunik-Hofman, What Impact Will COVID -19 Have On The Environment?). Human activity is the main area that the world should focus its attention in order to hopefully improve the destruction of our environment. Not only has the planet experienced dramatic changes due to COVID-19, but the health of the people is also at risk. The detrimental effects that poor air quality has on people may increase the severity of the virus’s overall effect on a person. Sparse air quality has the ability to negatively affect the respiratory system. Breathing in air pollution irritates the airways, promoting “...shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, asthma episodes and chest pain. Exposure to air pollution puts you at risk of lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes and in extreme cases, premature death” (Understanding Air Pollution). This idea of the detrimental side effects of climate change, prompts people to be in the high-risk category for coronavirus. If placed in the high-risk category for COID-19, people are seen as being at a higher risk for possible death, for coronavirus is a predominately respiratory attacking disease.
Writers involved in the United States Environmental Protection Agency had a few easy tips for people to follow to ensure improvements to the environment. The authors of Actions You Can Take To Reduce Air Pollution included actions that can be taken daily, on days where high ozone levels are to be expected and even days where high particle levels are to be expected. According to the article, daily actions that are advertised cover carpooling, purchasing portable gasoline containers, keeping all sources of transportation properly tuned, using environmentally safe products, mulching and composting leaves along with other yard waste, to name a few. When it comes to carpooling, fewer vehicles on the road ensure less gas and fossil fuels being burned. Using a bike or other non-motorized vehicles are another excellent way to help. Purchasing portable gasoline containers not only allows for fewer fossil fuels to leak out, but also become a great convenience for those using them, as they limit trips to the local gas station. The use of environmentally friendly products such as paints, limiting plastics, and the use of those that are recycled/recyclable is/are adopted in one’s everyday lifestyle and moves towards the advancement of the environment.
Composting is a common tactic used by many. It involves collecting and recycling products and food items to create mulch. This mulch is disposed of and distributed within the climate allowing for healthy soil for future plants, etc. By taking part in several of these simple activities, one person can make a huge change for the betterment of the environment.
As time has passed, one can see how coronavirus and climate change play a role in each other. The lives of many have changed as this new global pandemic and a maturer global situation continue to bounce off of each other. While there are abundant opportunities for COVID-19 to destroy daily lives, it also had the ability to improve the earth’s environment. To ensure a positive outlook, humans are to take control and do what can be done to help with the change.
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