Countries all around the world have implemented a sort of lockdown to mitigate Covid-19. The lockdown has had severe impacts on social and economic life as we knew it. However, it may surprise you to know that the lockdown also has positive effects on the natural environment.
As countries went into lockdown, industrial activities were at a standstill. The manufacturing sector, which generally emitted millions of tons of NO2 and SO2, had reduced its pollution drastically because of the temporary pause in production processes.
Transportation has come to a halt because people are skeptical about travelling in these situations. According to reports, air travel has reduced by 96% due to COVID-19, which is the lowest it has been in 75 years, resulting in a significant drop in levels of air pollution.
Fewer boats have resulted in a large reduction in NO2 emissions in water bodies around the world. Since deliveries stopped, the lack of ships has reduced dangerous oil spills that are lethal for marine flora and fauna.
Moreover, due to less travel and fewer people visiting beaches, the pollution of natural landscapes has reduced almost magically. Places are unrecognisable with their sparkling, clean presences today. In Venice, the water became so clear that dolphins and other fish were visible. The decline in overfishing almost depleted a few species, but now, they seem to rejoice in their underwater abodes!
Although there has been a positive impact on the environment due to the lockdown, there is fear and speculation that once people return to their routines, all these miracles will also disappear. It is up to us to save our environment and maintain the marvellous image it has now regenerated.
