Weather and environmental changes amidst COVID-19
As COVID-19 swept across the world, our lives were heavily impacted. The health, well-being and socio-economic effects of COVID-19 are largely negative and will be felt for years to come. But despite the negative impact, there’s still a silver lining to be found.
Let’s explore COVID-19’s effect on the global environment.
Air Pollution
In many parts of the world, air pollution has dropped drastically due to major cities and countries imposing lockdown measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Water Pollution
COVID-19 has forced lockdowns in many countries. The terms of these lockdowns depend on the country but generally follow a similar mantra – don’t go out, stay at home. As such, many offices, factories and industrial areas have been forced to close.
Such closure and restricted activities have allowed water bodies to recover and water pollution levels to drop. These reductions are further aided by restrictions on travel and tourism, which means that fewer people are out on cruise ships, ferries and even polluting beaches.
In popular beach destinations, pollution in the form of littering has also reduced drastically. This is due to the fact that many beaches have been closed by their respective country’s governments, and also because of travel and tourism restrictions.
Wildlife
Apart from impacting water and air pollution levels, COVID-19 has also had a positive effect on nature and wildlife. All over the world, countries are seeing wildlife roam the quiet roads of their cities. From a puma being spotted in Chile to dolphins in France, and even mountain goats roaming
the streets of Wales.
Wildlife is actually noticing the silence and calmness in the cities and taking this opportunity to roam the streets. Seeing these wild animals roaming the streets is quite a sight to behold and just puts into perspective how the world has changed over the last few months.
COVID-19 has also shone a spotlight on international wildlife trade laws. As the virus is reported to have originated from a market in China selling wild animals, governments are passing laws to prohibit wildlife trade.
Plastic Pollution
When you think about what plastic is used for, it shouldn’t be surprising that plastic pollution has increased during this period. As most restaurants don’t allow you to dine in anymore, more people are ordering food through delivery or take-out. As such, more plastic packaging is being used.
Plastics are also being used in protective gear for medical workers to fight against COVID-19. All these factors add to the plastic pollution in the world.
Reference:
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969720323305
• https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/06/why-covid-19-will-end-up-harming-the-environment/