In the bleak reality of the corona virus outbreak, all human activity slowing down or being halted, has brought about one positive change – for the environment. Fuel consumption going down, factories shut, and fewer vehicles on the road has resulted in carbon emissions reducing, leading to less pollution both in the air, on land and in water.
Air pollution
To measure the Air Quality Index (AQI), System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, has 6 categories for air quality. Ranging from 51- 100 is known as “satisfactory” or “very good”, from 101-200 is “moderate”, from 201-300 is “poor” 300-400 is seen as “very poor” and lastly, between 401-500 fall under the “hazardous.” In New Delhi, known as the world’s most polluted capital city, governmental lockdown orders have resulted in the Air Quality Index dropping to a level considered “satisfactory.” Images of clear blue skies in the capital have been released showing the absence of smog. Other major pollution emitting cities such as Mumbai is at the moderate level, and Pune is at a satisfactory level. It is no doubt that the reduction in the number of vehicles on the road has resulted in better AQI during the virus outbreak.
Furthermore, European Space Agency (ESA) satellite images show that nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels over China due to industries, power plants and vehicles have plunged drastically between January and February 2020. It is hoped that observations such as these will encourage a quicker shift to clean energy sources for the betterment of society.
Water pollution
Venice, Italy, connected solely by canals and also a popular tourist destination, saw its canals virtually empty once lockdowns were announced. The deprivation of tourists cut back much of the pollution and as a result, the polluted canal waters were seen to be clearer. Other activities requiring travel over water, including trade and leisure activities on ships being reduced also works in favour of the environment. The planet is definitely benefitting from the measures against the pandemic.
Fuel consumption and price
Fuel consumption has dropped notably worldwide, as industries and factories have either cut back or suspended their activity; many people are no longer commuting, but working from home. These factors are also leading to a significant drop in fuel prices. Indian demand dropped 10-11% in the first two weeks of March alone. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), there has been a 90,000 barrel per day drop from 2019, in the global oil demand. In restricting the movement of people, both within cities and across national and international borders, the drop in demand has hit the tourism industry hard.
The tourism industry
Though business is affected, it is definitely a time for nature to rejuvenate and replenish in this time of lockdown. One of the major players of the tourism industry, the airline industry could take a hit up to $113 billion according to the International Air Travel Association. With travel cuts, cancellation of flights and lower demand in many countries, this has been an eye-opener in the amount of pollution caused by these activities. Deserted streets, at popular tourist locations such as Venice, New York City, Paris leave an eerie impression, but on the positive side shows the implementation of lockdowns and cooperation of people in going back home.
Outcomes
The all India three week lockdown will definitely see a reduction in pollution and improvement in quality of air, though cooperation of the people remains a worry. The outbreak of the virus has shone light on the much needed assessment required on the grave damage human activities have done to ecosystems, and consider the need to protect the future of those ecosystems. As the majority of the international system moves activity to the digital platform, nature is rejuvenated in the absence of humans. But more importantly, it is hoped that businesses will strategize on systemic changes, such as providing work from home options as this means less people commuting, less traffic, and less pollution.
If COVID-19 is teaching us one thing, it is how interconnected and interdependent all systems are. Human ignorance and irresponsibility is only fueling the spread of the virus. Though the unpredictability of the pandemic has caught us off guard, it serves as a good wakeup call to make much needed change in various levels of individual choice, organizational and business strategy and governmental action. Pandemic response has taken priority in governmental agenda globally over tackling climate change issues, strategies being used in pandemic response have unintended favourable outcomes for the environment, simultaneously.
Social Impact
Little is mentioned about the social behaviour implications of the virus spread. One major positive outcome could be the health and hygiene habits that have been announced in keeping healthy in times of pandemic crisis. Awareness has brought to the forefront the importance of a simple action such as washing hands. The World Health Organization has a set of guidelines that would help in the fight against the outbreak. Social activity changes, such as remaining indoors, not being able to go out for a meal, movie or meet with friends has left many discussions on the ramifications on mental health. While this is a very real issue, it is vital to the health and wellbeing of everyone that containing the spread of the virus is the primary need of the hour.
Views expressed are author’s own.
