Day 28 Of Coronavirus Shutdown

We are now on day 28 of the Coronavirus shutdown. Today I want to talk about something a little different. Still related to the Coronavirus. But in a more positive way. I have seen and read a lot of stories about how shutting down due to the Coronavirus has actually shown to of had positive effect on our environment. I wanted to share a little bit of that with you all this evening.

The coronavirus is taking its toll around the world. It is a nasty pandemic no doubt. However there may be a bit of a sliver lining if you're looking for one. The sharp reductions documented in carbon emissions and air pollution caused by the coronavirus related lockdowns have offered a sort of preview of the kind of improvements that can be made when drastic action is taken. 

Air pollution has dropped significantly in China. New York's air has also gotten cleaner. Carbon monoxide emissions have also dropped by nearly 50%. Columbia Professor Róisín Commane in an interview with the BBC said this. “New York has had exceptionally high carbon monoxide numbers for the last year and a half, And this is the cleanest I have ever seen it. It’s less than half of what we normally see in March.”.

Another interesting effect on the environment has been a significant reduction in air travel. This is significantly improving air quality and reducing pollution in the skies above many countries of the world. With fewer planes flying around, issues associated with contrails and exhaust emissions are easing.

 However, the changes could easily be wiped out by efforts to quickly ramp up economies, including governments around the world that may be more willing to relax regulations to jump start companies. This is why some people are saying that maybe this isn't exactly a "Silver Lining". However I still want to believe that it is. Maybe these little changes won't have a long lasting effect on our environment. However this truly is showing that big corporations have the power to make big changes and help save the planet! The fact that we are all talking about this now and sharing the positive effects this is having on our planet is a good sign. I just hope this is something we can all learn from and finally take action against climate change.

Check out this video below.

Now please understand that I am in NO WAY saying that Coronavirus / Covid-19 is a good positive thing. I'm not saying that I'm glad it happened. It is a deadly virus that has taken too many lives. All I'm trying to do is point out that there also can be a little good found in dark times. We will get through this pandemic and I hope that when we do we take this little bit of information about the effects shutting down has had on our environment. And I hope we make some changes in the way we treat our beautiful planet. 

I want to thank you all again for taking the time to read this blog. I hope everyone is doing well and staying home. 

Continue to practice your social distancing! Stay well and stay healthy.