Turns Out, Self-Isolation Is Having A Positive Impact On Mother Nature
It turns out, having mandatory “shelter in place” measures may have an unintended GREAT side effect — cleaner air and water, at least for Italy.
The gondolas plying the busy Grand Canal and smaller waterways of Venice are one of the most iconic images in the world. They are the symbol of history, tradition, and romance in the city on the lagoon.
Trip Savvy
But, the waters of the canals are usually a bit dark and murky. You don’t really think twice about it, because that’s just how it always is. BUT, since the lockdown, the waters have turned clear!
The pollution levels have dropped dramatically, as there aren’t people milling around, and simply living life outdoors.
The same has held true for China…
The cloud of nitrogen dioxide that was parked over China in January seemed to evaporate in February. NASA scientists said that similar emissions reductions have been observed in other countries during economic disruptions but that the sharp decrease in air pollution in China during the quarantine period was especially rapid.
NBC News
This is kind of scary, because it shows us EXACTLY what we are doing to the environment when we are living carelessly out in the world!
As awesome as this new pollution free water and air is, it is important to note, if we go back to living the lifestyle we did before the coronavirus locked us down, that pollution is going to come right back. *Sad Face*
As we move to restart these economies, we need to use this moment to think about what we value. — Do we want to go back to the status quo, or do we want to tackle these big structural problems and restructure our economy and reduce emissions and pollution?
NBC News
While we don’t want what is happening right now to last forever, it does have some unintended positive outcomes and for now, that is something worth celebrating.
