Virus Taught Us the Importance of Environment

A bit data about World Environment Day, it was first held in 1974 and it is now celebrated every year on June 5 to motivate awareness and action for the protection of the environment. It erected awareness about issues related to the environment like air pollution, marine pollution, global warming, human overpopulation, etc.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic started, the air around us had been rated very toxic to breathe. This was due to the amount of greenhouse gases that had been emitted over the centuries. The Earth has been facing rising temperatures, which in turn led to the melting of glaciers and rising of sea levels. Environmental degradation was happening fast due to the depletion of resources such as air, water and soil. But after the corona virus lockdown commenced, there have been slight changes in the environment. Corona Virus has shown humans the power of Nature serves as a warning of perils of human interference and that we should not take Nature lightly ever again. In these difficult times, we should renew our efforts to avoid conflicts with it. We are literally consuming the Earth that is sustaining us.

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Environment

• Air Quality:

After the lockdown was imposed in many places in many countries, there was lesser traveling done by people, whether be it by their own cars,or by trains and flights.  Even industries, factories, offices were closed down and not allowed to function. This in turn positively led to the pollution in the air dropping significantly, as there was a marked decline in nitrous oxide emission.

• Water Quality:

Since there were no boats, whether used for fishing or pleasure ones, plying on the rivers and waterways, the water got chance clear up. In countries like Venice, the water became so clear that the fish could be seen and there was better water flow. Undoubtedly, because of the lesser human footfall even the oceans are recovering and marine life is thriving.

• Effect on Wildlife:

Again where fish is concerned, the lockdown has seen a decline in fishing, which means that the fish biomass has now increased, after over-fishing almost depleted it. Distantly, animals have been spotted moving about freely where once they would not dare to go. Even sea turtles have been spotted returning to areas they once avoided to lay their eggs, all due to the lack human interference.

• Effect on Vegetation:

Plants have started to grow better because now there is cleaner air and water, and because yet again there is no human interference. With everything at a standstill, plants are allowed to thrive and grow and produce more coverage and oxygen. Less litter also means lesser clogging of river systems, which is good in the long run for the environment.

In conclusion, though there has been a positive impact on the environment due to the lockdown, there is fear that once people start traveling again or go back to doing what they have been doing, all the positive impact will also disappear.

While the pandemic and subsequent drop in industrial activity, travel and daily commute led to a drop in pollution and talks of the Earth healing itself, a new threat to the climate was set in motion with single use plastic making a re-entry in our lives. PPE, masks, gloves and face shields have now become the ‘new normal’. Even eateries and other shops have returned to using plastic for home delivery. This has led to the re-rise in irresponsible discarding of plastic waste across streets and public places in cities. Eventually, with monsoon around the corner, this plastic waste will wash away into the sewers and ultimately into the water bodies. On World Environment Day today, let’s prevent a larger climate crisis that waits on the other side of pandemic.

Our World is home not just to humans. We share it with millions of other species. The least we can do is show our understanding. Nature got the chance to recuperate for a short while and all do believe that people will appreciate their time outdoors a lot more. We wish to see this appreciation translate into action, giving rise to a more environmentally conscious, community-led tourism. As the country begins to go back to the ‘normal’, we hope that we don’t forget the perks of working from home and the principles of kindness to others and ourselves.