As many of us are aware of, (Covid-19) has taken the lives of many individuals across the globe. As soon as we scroll through social media or switch on the television, we’re consumed with news of the current situation around the world.
To halt the spread of Covid-19, governments and frontline workers of all nations are continuously around the clock trying to figure out ways to put an end to this life-threatening pandemic.
While everyone adjusts to a new way of life due to this global pandemic, unknowingly, we’re also giving Mother Nature a new dawn to restore the natural order of itself. As far as we’re concerned, flora and fauna around the world are currently enjoying the positive outcome of everyone staying safe at home.
In fact, countries that have been under stringent lockdowns to stop the spread of the Covid-19 have experienced an unintended benefit. The Covid-19 pandemic has, at least in part, contributed to a noticeable drop in pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in some countries.
Some of the visible changes you might have noticed within your area of living are:
A Breath Of Fresh Air
As the pandemic continues to put a still to many countries around the world, unintended climate changes are noticed by almost everyone worldwide, with one of them being less polluted air. In the midst of this widespread pandemic, there has been a significant decline in air pollution in almost every country across the globe.
In fact according to CNN – “Major cities that suffer from the world’s worst air pollution have seen reductions of deadly particulate matter by up to 60% from the previous year, during a three-week lockdowns period”.
This may be a result of fewer vehicles on the road, as the government has restricted people from travelling unless necessary.
Once again, we’re able to enjoy the fresh air!
Lockdowns Results In Cleaner Water
Water quality has shown a great improvement ever since various forms of lockdowns has been applied.
For example, with the absence of tourists in Venice, the often murky canals recently has begun to get clearer, up to the point even beautiful marine life could be seen clearly within the water.
India’s stringent lockdown measures also have had an effect on India’s rivers as pictures of pristine clear waters of the Ganges, India’s holy river were widely shared on social media channels a few weeks after lockdown.
Delhi Pollution Control Board had also analysed the quality of the Yamuna River flowing along New Delhi during the lockdown and found profound improvement.
In South East Asia, Environment and Water Ministry of Malaysia, has found about 8 (28%) of 29 water monitoring stations have shown an improvement in its Water Quality Index (WQI).
Apart from that, rivers and seas are not only clean but are also free from industrial pollutants as well as garbage.
More Sounds Of Bird Chirping
Another benefit of social distancing is the newfound quietness in cities.
For over few months now, it is safe to say that there have been no sound of clanking of machinery from industrial factories, honking, or the whirring of engines.
It may sound surprising, but it is for sure that you’ve been hearing more birds chirping just outside your home instead of industrial noises from developing sites.
So, What’s Next?
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to halt most activities by mankind and restore nature, many still question if this is a temporary mirage?
Well, you don’t need a pandemic to restore Mother Nature! There are many things you can continuously do to make the environment a better place than it was yesterday such as:
● Refuse single-use items, especially plastic.
● Reduce your usage of chemicals and pesticides.
● Practice the 3R’s- Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
● Try to minimise your energy consumption.
● Avoid littering in public.
As the Covid-19 pandemic hits, we’re forced to adapt to a new way of life that many of us would not have imagined ourselves in.
On a positive note, unconsciously, you’re helping Mother Nature to recover from the countless damages mankind are guilty of.
While the situation is proving to be good for the environment, we definitely do not need to depend on a pandemic to help make Mother Nature a better place. Let’s work together in saving Mother Nature because we want to, not because we need to!
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