Everyone knows about COVID-19 and its effects on our health, freedom of movement and the economy. No need for an introduction on the subject. But could a bad thing like the Coronavirus have a positive effect on the Earth we live in? Every cloud has a silver lining! Whilst the novel Coronavirus is causing panic worldwide, the environment we all live in is benefiting from the social isolation we’re practising.

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit some countries harder than others, forcing authorities to intervene and ask citizens to go into lockdown. As a result; people stayed indoors, businesses shuttered their windows and cars stayed parked. Factory production declined and air travel has dipped. As a result, many regions have experienced a significant drop in air pollution. Some cities, particularly in China, saw a rare blue sky. The average number of days with a “good air quality” increased by 21.5% in February, compared to the same period in 2019. In the initial month of lock downs, in China alone, carbon dioxide emissions fell by 200 million metric tonnes. Emissions of nitrogen dioxide experienced dramatic reductions as well, with some areas recorded their lowest levels of atmospheric nitrogen dioxide in modern times. Nitrogen dioxide is a harmful gas emitted when fossil fuels are burnt at high temperatures, most commonly in motor vehicles and at power plants ed-hrvatski.com. Levels of PM10 and PM2.5 also experienced an extreme drop. PM10 is particulate matter 2.6 to 10 micrometers or less in diameter, whereas PM2.5 refers to particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter. PM10 and PM2.5 are produced by a wide range of industrial processes through including bulk material handling, combustion and minerals processing. The industries using these processes include brick works, refineries, cement works, iron and steel making, quarrying, and fossil fuel power plants. Another thing which has left its mark is the temporary suspension of cruise ship holidays. This is more evident in tourist hot spots, such as the Italian city of Venice. Water turbidity in the canals of Venice has improved substantially, leaving the water almost crystals clear. It is also evident offshore, with the sea around the lagoon evidently cleaner.

It is sad that the Earth can only ‘rest’ in the event of a deadly pandemic. What we can hope for is that the beneficial environmental impacts of this pandemic will not be forgotten but that the general public along with the authorities that be will push together for changes towards a more sustainable lifestyle!