Though coronavirus has taken the world on a halt by taking a massive toll of lives in Italy, Spain, China, the USA, Iran, Korea, and Germany. This virus especially originated from Wuhan which is the hub of mass animal poultry farming in China. This virus was leaked from a lab in Wuhan, after getting leaked it infected entire Wuhan within days. Then slowly and steadily it infected the entire world in Jan Feb 2020 with numerous cases in a shorter span of time. With the cities worldwide being forced to face the lockdowns all humans are being forced to stay inside their homes as the spread of this virus is very fast causing more than 9 million deaths worldwide. It has been declared a global pandemic by the WHO but there are some bizarre things which the environment has seen due to the coronavirus lock-down giving a huge indication that "our planet is on a break". So here are some drastic effects of coronavirus on the environment.
- Rapid reduction of CO2 emissions: With all the industrialization, urbanization coming to a halt and there has been a sufficient reduction in air travel also with the flights being banned from many airspaces this played a key role in reducing the CO2 emissions rapidly. This has played a key role in improving air quality and reducing the pollution levels of all the major cities to a huge considerable extent. Cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, New York, Barcelona, Paris, Milan, Rome, and Frankfurt saw crystal clear skies after more than a decade as a result of this lock-down. This was one of the biggest effects of coronavirus on the environment which changed things instantly.
- Swamps and Dolphins seen in Venice Canals: after days of lock-down there were many swamps, dolphins, and whales seen in the Venice canals this was seen as a miracle where animals were seen rejoicing as the humans were being locked inside the doors. This also improved the water quality of canals as they turned blue.
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| Empty Venice Canals In March 2020 |
- Reduction in emission of coal combustion: there has been a significant reduction in emission of coal combustion which plays a key role in polluting the environment to a large extent. Many harmful gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide have reduced in those countries which are affected by coronavirus. Coal powered industry saw a nearly 36% reduction in production.
- Cleanest Streets Of New York: as a result of coronavirus lock-down the streets of New York City were very neat and clean such cleanliness was almost seen after 20 long years. The CO2 and Carbon monoxide levels nearly dropped to 55% in March 2020 making it the cleanest air quality since 2000.
- Increase In Domestic Energy & Fall In Commercial Energy: With the lock-downs worldwide there a huge increase in demand for domestic energy which plays a key role in cutting carbon emissions. Whereas commercial energy has seen a huge decline by 50% This will, in the end, save energy for future use to a large extent.
- Climate Change Goals Can Be Met Sooner: There are many experts discussing that Paris climate accord goals can be met easier and sooner with the outburst of this pandemic. As all sectors like transportation and production have come to a grinding halt thereby reducing CO2 and many other greenhouse gasses to a huge extent. This will enable us to meet the 2015 Paris climate accord goals effectively.
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