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What impact has COVID-19 pandemic had on the Environment?
The coronavirus pandemic has changed life as we know it on a global scale. In just a number of months the world has been transformed, turned upside down by this ‘invisible’ killer. People’s entire way of life has changed with worldwide restrictions on travel, business and lifestyles imposed across the globe.
These changes, necessary to contain the spread of the virus, have caused unimaginable chaos in numerous industries, the global economy and people’s lifestyles. Across the globe, people have been cut off from family and friends, working remotely or facing unemployment. Everyone's movements and lifestyles have become monitored and restricted in ways never known before.
But what impact have these major changes had on the environment? Has the halt of international and domestic travel as well as trade and business had an any effect on pollution levels? Has the world being effectively put on ‘pause’ due to covid-19 actually had positive effects on the environment?
The Environmental Impact
It is well-known that modern life in today’s world creates carbon emissions at an alarmingly rapid rate. These ‘carbon emissions’ encompass all greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2, nitrous oxide and methane to name a few. Various industries produce these emissions including the energy industry, agriculture and transportation.
However, carbon emissions are not only problematic at an industrial level, they are produced on a smaller scale by individuals too. For example, everyday activities such as using motorised transport to travel back and forth or using gas and electricity to heat your home. Many of these activities have been greatly reduced if not halted completely under the global COVID-19 restrictions. So, what impact has this had on global emissions?
Carbon emissions have sharply declined in the last few months. For example, in New York carbon monoxide emissions have dedclined by nearly 50% due to the measures that were imposed to contain the spread of the virus. Similarly in China, where the virus first broke out in Wuhan in late 2019, emissions fell by 25% at the start of 2020. However, it is likely that China will make up for this reduction in the coming months as the government responds to the disruption. This could unfortunately outweigh the positive effects of the earlier reduction.
Such reductions in pollution have also been seen across Europe, including in Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom (UK). The UK has seen a marked improvement in air quality especially in its major cities, such as London, where traffic accounts for a large proportion of pollution.
It is estimated that around 40,000 early deaths in the UK are the result of poor air quality and pollution. Pollution is linked to various health problems including strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.
Not only have the levels of pollution fallen but with people restricted to their homes, only leaving for essential travel and shopping, their exposure to these pollutants has also been significantly reduced.
The changed global landscape brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic is also good news for wildlife. For example, experts predict that quieter oceans will be beneficial for marine wildlife, including whales who will have greater access to food and suffer from less disruption from shipping traffic. Similarly, there is evidence that wild bees will benefit from the decline in air pollution. A little closer to home, experts think various species in the UK will benefit including hedgehogs, toads and fish. All these species are welcoming this break from human activity that usually disrupts their natural habitats.
How can we capitalise on the global changes to bring about lasting environmental benefits?
These short term reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across the globe is positive news. However, it is important to capitalise on these reductions by ensuring we take steps to continue the reduction of carbon emissions and give back to the environment in the longer term.
These changes, necessary to contain the spread of the virus, have caused unimaginable chaos in numerous industries, the global economy and people’s lifestyles. Across the globe, people have been cut off from family and friends, working remotely or facing unemployment. Everyone's movements and lifestyles have become monitored and restricted in ways never known before.
But what impact have these major changes had on the environment? Has the halt of international and domestic travel as well as trade and business had an any effect on pollution levels? Has the world being effectively put on ‘pause’ due to covid-19 actually had positive effects on the environment?
The Environmental Impact
It is well-known that modern life in today’s world creates carbon emissions at an alarmingly rapid rate. These ‘carbon emissions’ encompass all greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2, nitrous oxide and methane to name a few. Various industries produce these emissions including the energy industry, agriculture and transportation.
However, carbon emissions are not only problematic at an industrial level, they are produced on a smaller scale by individuals too. For example, everyday activities such as using motorised transport to travel back and forth or using gas and electricity to heat your home. Many of these activities have been greatly reduced if not halted completely under the global COVID-19 restrictions. So, what impact has this had on global emissions?
Carbon emissions have sharply declined in the last few months. For example, in New York carbon monoxide emissions have dedclined by nearly 50% due to the measures that were imposed to contain the spread of the virus. Similarly in China, where the virus first broke out in Wuhan in late 2019, emissions fell by 25% at the start of 2020. However, it is likely that China will make up for this reduction in the coming months as the government responds to the disruption. This could unfortunately outweigh the positive effects of the earlier reduction.
Such reductions in pollution have also been seen across Europe, including in Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom (UK). The UK has seen a marked improvement in air quality especially in its major cities, such as London, where traffic accounts for a large proportion of pollution.
It is estimated that around 40,000 early deaths in the UK are the result of poor air quality and pollution. Pollution is linked to various health problems including strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.
Not only have the levels of pollution fallen but with people restricted to their homes, only leaving for essential travel and shopping, their exposure to these pollutants has also been significantly reduced.
The changed global landscape brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic is also good news for wildlife. For example, experts predict that quieter oceans will be beneficial for marine wildlife, including whales who will have greater access to food and suffer from less disruption from shipping traffic. Similarly, there is evidence that wild bees will benefit from the decline in air pollution. A little closer to home, experts think various species in the UK will benefit including hedgehogs, toads and fish. All these species are welcoming this break from human activity that usually disrupts their natural habitats.
How can we capitalise on the global changes to bring about lasting environmental benefits?
These short term reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across the globe is positive news. However, it is important to capitalise on these reductions by ensuring we take steps to continue the reduction of carbon emissions and give back to the environment in the longer term.
How does Become Carbon Negative implement this long-lasting change and how can you get involved?
Here at Become Carbon Negative our mission is to offset the carbon you generate and give back to the environment. Unlike other organisations that simply encourage becoming carbon neutral, we want to take that extra step of giving back to the environment, with your help of course!
We are a non-profit organisation with a very simple model. We plant trees to offset the carbon you generate. Trees remove pollutants from the air, create oxygen and provide shade, which reduces the temperatures around them.
Our tree planting programme will help to sustain the positive environmental effects seen as a result of covid-19 by removing pollution and creating oxygen. Tree planting is crucial in the fight against greenhouse gas emissions and the harmful impacts they have on our environment.
Would you like to help create long-lasting environmental change and save the planet? We make that process as simple as possible!
Rather than a one-off payment we have three available subscriptions ranging from as little as £4.99 a month to £14.99. 100% of the profits go into planting trees worldwide! To find out more about what we do, visit our FAQ page or visit our join us page to set up an easy and affordable subscription in a matter of minutes.
Want to keep updated with us on our activities and more ? Check out our social media pages! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn, we promise it’s worth it.
