4/7/2020 1 Comment The Positives to a PandemicWritten by: Killeen Prater
It can be hard to imagine a silver lining to the all-consuming cloud that is the current and ongoing spread that is the COVID-19 across the planet. As cities and lives are pulled to a standstill rivers and skies are revealing an unexpected positive to the pandemic. While the beneficial effects to our environment by no means reduce the stress and suffering placed upon people and countries during an outbreak. Economic slowdown and majorly reduced travel as a result of government enforced shelters in place has put a cap on ongoing pollution, we are seeing positive effects all over the world. The first example was seen at the point of origin of COVID-19 in China, where the outbreak began in December, as quarantines across the country took vehicles from the roads. In Wuhan, many locals under lockdown praised the return of blue skies to the usually smog-covered city. NASA has captured many satellite images that show a sustained decrease in nitrogen dioxide. The outbreak has even had an impact on Italy's waterways, which have become crystal-clear due to loss of tourism. Without visitors and greatly-reduced traffic from boats and cruise ships due to Italy's quarantine laws mean fish can now be seen swimming in the clear canals. Stanford University scientist and Earth Systems Professor Marshall Burke has used the emissions data for China to calculate what effect reduced pollution could have on the health of local residents, and found that the impacts of COVID-19 on our environment could potentially save more lives than it kills. Professor Burke's calculations found that the reductions in harmful emissions could potentially contribute to saving the lives of 77,000 Chinese residents.He also states that it would be “incorrect and foolhardy” to imply that pandemics are good for health, as any benefits to air pollution changes don’t account for the negative effects both in the short- and long-term of social and economic disruption that could “exceed any health benefits from reduced air pollution.” Stay home and stay safe, but remember that even in the worst of times there is always a positive outlook. http://www.g-feed.com/2020/03/covid-19-reduces-economic-activity.html
1 Comment
Tori Fulweiler
4/17/2020 10:37:39 am
Well written, Killeen. Thank you for giving me a different outlook on this pandemic. I have been so focused on the negative impact of this virus, that I have forgotten to look for any positives. Your words have made me re-examine my mindset for today.
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