As the world struggles to contain coronavirus, a number of positive environmental benefits have emerged from a slowdown in international travel and human movement. Planes have been grounded, car usage has dropped, as staying at home becomes a weapon of reducing the spread of COVID-19 (along with facemasks, testing and good hygiene). A global reduction in travel patterns, not seen since World War 2, offers some interesting insights.
Clear skies are appearing across traditionally smog-laden regions of China and Europe. In Hubei, China, strong lockdown measures have reduced the amount of Nitrogen Dioxide in the atmosphere from cars and industrial facilities. Photos over China depict radical changes from red and yellow clusters of pollution, to dispersed green and blue bands.
There also has been a significant reduction in overall noise pollution. Noise pollution includes the noise effects of airplane, car, human and other transport movement. In my hometown of Melbourne, we remain in stage four lockdown. Overall, it is rather quiet at night (not that many are complaining). Another interesting finding from scientists suggest conditions of beaches have improved following a reduction in tourist numbers. Beaches of Mexico, Barcelona and Ecuador now appear pristine and crystal blue in comparison. So that is some good news!
So what are some of the negative environmental impacts from Coronavirus? Evidence from around the globe suggests there has been an increase in medical waste due to COVID-19. A rise in online shopping has also attached a hidden environmental cost of excess packaging, and some recycling programs have been reduced in capacity. We are spending more time online but are also more alone that ever.
On the other hand, we are turning to more localised behaviour including: baking their own bread, making use of home gym equipment, buying local, cycling and walking more frequently. These localised behaviour patterns are substantially more sustainable than our past globalised consumption behaviours.
So what can we learn? A key lesson from the Coronavirus is don’t underestimate your impact on the world. For more lessons about what we can learn from the Coronavirus Crisis follow this link to my most recent book: https://www.amazon.com/Eight-Global-Lessons-Coronavirus-Crisis-ebook/dp/B08DMD2YQJ
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