COVID-19 is sweeping nations across the world, prompting the closures of schools and businesses and prohibiting all non-essential travel.
But in the midst of the global pandemic, there is a silver lining. Earth is finally getting a breath of fresh air, so to speak.
Factory closures across the world mean a decrease in the release of fossil fuels and greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. Worldwide lockdowns result in fewer cars and transport on the roads, therefore less carbon monoxide emissions are being released into the ozone.
Cities in Asia that are known to have high levels of smog have seen a 40% decrease this year of NO2 emissions, a component of smog, in the atmosphere. During spring 2020, the northeastern side of the U.S. has seen a drastic 30% decrease in the same emissions when compared to spring 2019.
But that “breath of fresh air” only lasts for so long. Once bans are lifted and life returns to what it once was, so will the gases clouding the skies.
In fact, the return to normalcy could be even worse. How we progress from this tragedy is critical to continuing to restore a healthy environment.
If factories and transportation go back to emitting harmful fossil fuels and nations continue to live unsustainably, global warming will continue to worsen and so will the quality of life for future generations.
However, if we shift to a more sustainable lifestyle beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, we can begin to turn around the damage we’ve done to Earth.
Living a more sustainable lifestyle looks different for everyone. Whether it’s purchasing from eco-friendly brands, lessening your waste, limiting transport or consuming a plant-based diet, everyone can do their part to limit air and ground pollution.
It’s pretty safe to say we are all looking forward to the return of our standard routines, and this fresh start can inspire each of us to do better.
Everyone’s actions make a difference in the eyes of our planet.
