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As we have settled into what seems like endless weeks of lockdown, we are now entering the ‘new normal’, meaning we are seeing the gradual return of work, schools, hotels and shops to name a few. However, whilst we are looking forward to enjoying everything we used to do before lockdown, it is important to alter our attitude towards the environment in line with the Coronavirus pandemic.
How living in lockdown has eased our impact on the environment
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic causing mass disruption including isolation and economic upheaval, there have been some positive effects on the environment. The reduction in air and traffic pollution has had positive global effects. For example, air quality levels in the world’s major cities such as Delhi, London and Los Angeles improved significantly in March and April. Additionally, the absence of tourism has seen the progressive return of wildlife. For example, Yosemite National Park has seen an increase in the bear population whilst marine life in Venice that had previously declined, is now visible.
Ways to ensure these changes will be beneficial for the environment long term
Although tough lockdown measures and the global economic shutdown has seen the reduction of carbon emissions, it has barely reversed our overall impact on the environment; revealing the harsh reality that society needs to make a giant leap towards a more sustainable way of living.
‘We have to recognise that technological, behavioural, and structural change is the best and only way to reduce emissions’ (source: National Geographic)
How living in lockdown has eased our impact on the environment
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic causing mass disruption including isolation and economic upheaval, there have been some positive effects on the environment. The reduction in air and traffic pollution has had positive global effects. For example, air quality levels in the world’s major cities such as Delhi, London and Los Angeles improved significantly in March and April. Additionally, the absence of tourism has seen the progressive return of wildlife. For example, Yosemite National Park has seen an increase in the bear population whilst marine life in Venice that had previously declined, is now visible.
Ways to ensure these changes will be beneficial for the environment long term
Although tough lockdown measures and the global economic shutdown has seen the reduction of carbon emissions, it has barely reversed our overall impact on the environment; revealing the harsh reality that society needs to make a giant leap towards a more sustainable way of living.
‘We have to recognise that technological, behavioural, and structural change is the best and only way to reduce emissions’ (source: National Geographic)
Whilst it would be difficult to maintain the positive environmental effects of lockdown long term, we can incorporate lifestyle changes in the future. Here are several ways we as individuals can continue to reduce our impact on the environment:
- Food waste- the initial panic buying has declined; however there is still the temptation to buy more than we need. It is important to buy responsibly and plan meals to prevent waste. Making sure we are buying what we deem is ‘essential’ should extend beyond lockdown.
According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the food system can be reduced by 11% if we reduce our food wastate. - Transport- in an attempt to maintain lower levels of traffic on a global scale, there is going to be investment into greener means of transportation in several cities. For example, Milan has announced an increase in cycle paths once the lockdown has ended. Similarly, London is focusing on an increase in cycle networks and wider pavements to allow for more people to travel without breaching social distancing measures, whilst at the same time reducing their carbon footprint.
- Working digitally- as a result of lockdown, it has become vital to digitally transform places of work in order to operate as ‘normal’. An increase in documents being sent out electronically has reduced our reliance on paper, thus reducing our carbon footprint. Lastly, an increase in Zoom meetings and online conferences has reduced people’s need for travel, ultimately saving time and energy.
- Join us and give back to the environment. Click here to find out more about planting trees to offset your carbon emissions and Becoming Carbon Negative...
