The coronavirus is likely the biggest health pandemic the current generation has experienced so far in their lives. Yet, is it too much to say that there are some positives arising from the virus completely spreading across the globe? It may be, but it has shined some light on the weaknesses of many countries’ economies when not put under the stress of a major issue like the COVID-19 spread. I am talking about the environmental impacts.
China is known for its poor air condition, with many citizens wearing masks throughout their normal day. Yet, the lockdown that occurred in many areas in response to the coronavirus spread has had some unforeseen consequences. Air quality is increasing. According to China’s ministry of Ecology and Environment, the average number of “good quality air days” increased by more than 20% in the month of February compared to February of 2019. Nitrogen dioxide, the emission from burning fossil fuels in vehicles, power plants, and other industrial facilities, can be tracked by satellite. There has been a dramatic drop-off over a huge area of the country of China in nitrogen dioxide levels, as seen in the maps produced by NASA and the European Space Agency. The same can be said about carbon dioxide emissions produced by burning other fossil fuels such as coal. China, being the world’s biggest polluter, contributes about 30% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions annually. However, there has been at least a 25% decrease in the last month of China’s carbon dioxide emissions, a huge bright spot for the world’s emission levels.
China is not only decreasing emission levels, but also may be saving lives outside of the virus by taking part in the lockdowns. Stanford University researchers claim that between 50,000 and 75,000 people will live longer and not die prematurely in response to air pollution because of the drastic recent changes. There is a strong connection between high levels of air pollution and premature deaths. That risk for many citizens was mitigated in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Italy is another country that is finding environmental benefits to their lockdown status in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Nitrogen dioxide levels are decreasing across the country, along with other harmful emissions. Yet, in addition, there are other unforeseen circumstances occurring. The famous framed waterways of Venice, Italy are becoming clearer. Known for their gondola rides, the water has been continuously murky and dirty as tourists and travelers ride through the pathways endlessly. Yet, with the current lockdown, locals claim the water is as clear as it has been in 60 years. Little fish can be seen swimming through the channels, and swans have returned to their peaceful waterways, events that have not occurred in a long time.
I’m not saying that the coronavirus has been beneficial to the world. Yet, it has shined a spotlight on what humans can change with their actions. Climate change can be slowed and stopped with human intervention. It just takes some effort.
Coleman's blog 
I completely agree with this post and I’ve heard many people say that the earth is cleaning itself right now! However, I wonder if all the GHG emissions will bounce back–similar to bingeing and excessive weight gain after unhealthy dieting. It is also interesting to think about how rapidly institutions reacted to this pandemic through policy implementation, but, on the contrary, rarely act upon climate change. Perhaps this event will be a catalyst for the reassessment of climate action.
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I had heard that the pollution was decreasing globally due to the quarantines, but I never imagined it was this drastic of a change. The figure showing the Chinese NO2 emissions is shocking, and I think the decrease will really help reduce the rate of climate change, if only just for these few weeks. I doubt that this change will last very long and honestly once the world is back to normal emissions will probably be higher than ever because people are ichting to get back to their normal lifestyles and jobs.
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