COVID-19 and Climate Change
It’s not a surprising statement to say that the coronavirus (or COVID-19) has catalyzed a dramatic change in human behaviour. People all over the world are staying home in self-isolation or quarantine; schools and stores have shut down; and people are recognizing how much we take a walk in the park or through the woods for granted.
With the reduced number of cars on the road, production facilities in operation and demand on power plants, the world has seen a drastic reduction in pollution and increase in air quality. The University of Birmingham is calling this the COVID-19 Effect.
The below shows NASA satellite images of China’s reduced nitrogen dioxide pollution between January 1st and February 25th 2020.
Source: Earth Observatory
In addition to the nitrogen dioxide reduction in China, the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) found that, between February 3rd and March 1st, China’s “carbon dioxide emissions were down at least 25%”!
We have also received the exciting news that a hole in the ozone layer is repairing itself. This hole caused changes in air circulation, which altered rainfall and ocean current systems. A second hole, over the Arctic, has reportedly sealed itself! Recovery means that these systems are reverting back to their natural cycles. The ban of ozone-depleting substances coupled with the virus has created an environment that is conducive to this recovery. The hole in the Northern Hemisphere is expected to be back to 1980 levels by 2030 and in the Southern Hemisphere by 2050.
We are seeing positive climate affects right now in both air and water quality. Unfortunately, it has taken a tragic situation and economic shutdown to get here; which is obviously not desirable or sustainable. However, it does show that climate action is possible. And when we come out of this, we’ll be starting in a much better position.
The rapid spread of this virus has shone light on the negative affects of many of our global systems; including our supply chains and international travel. The greenhouse gases created through these systems have contributed to the fires and flooding that we’ve seen widespread around the globe, and, without change, things would only get worse. These potential worsening effects could also include more infectious outbreaks, as humans and animals are forced to live closer together.
In order to protect ourselves, there has, unfortunately, been an increased use of single-use plastic masks and gloves, as well as the reintroduction of plastic bags at grocery stores that had previously banned them. This means there will be some rework that will need to happen from a single-use plastic perspective. Fortunately, TerraCycle accepts these items through their Safety Equipment & Protective Gear Zero Waste Box. They will recycle these items into products such as park benches and garbage bins.
We’ve always known that big changes will need to be made in order to change the current systems. Maybe this is the time for a reset. Everyone will need to band together to ensure that we continue on this positive trajectory. Governments, corporations and private citizens will all need to step up.
High Country Conservation Center Climate Action Director Jess Hoover said in an article that “we have an opportunity as a result of the economic shutdown. We can choose to move forward and create more sustainable and resilient communities and prepare for the shock that might come from a climate-changed world.” We can either use this opportunity to change or go back to business as usual.