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How COVID-19 Impacted Planet Earth – Positive Changes We Have Forgotten
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From the moment COVID-19 brought the world to a halt, our planet quite literally took a deep breath.
While humanity was primarily focused on survival, research and observations during the pandemic revealed an unexpected silver lining – significant environmental improvements and benefits for wildlife.
Although it may be difficult to accept, the pandemic demonstrated just how profound our impact on the Earth is and what happens when human activity decreases. During the global lockdowns, many cities witnessed drastic reductions in pollution levels, along with noticeable improvements in air and water quality, as well as healthier natural ecosystems.
Impact on pollution and nature
One of the most apparent and positive effects of the pandemic was the reduction of CO2 emissions. With many countries imposing lockdowns and states of emergency, air travel decreased, fewer vehicles were on the roads and industrial production slowed down. As a result, pollution levels dropped, allowing nature to begin regenerating.
China, known as one of the world’s most polluted countries, was the first to experience significant changes. Cities like Beijing and Hong Kong, once engulfed in air pollution, suddenly found themselves under clear blue skies. The reduction in harmful gas emissions led to cleaner air and fewer pollution-related health issues.
Similarly, Venice became a symbol of this phenomenon. The city’s murky canals, usually contaminated by industrial waste and overcrowded with tourists, became clearer, allowing fish to return. This unusual sight was not just visually appealing but also a testament to how quickly nature responds when human impact is minimized.
Positive changes in cities and the environment
Across the world, cities in countries like Spain and Italy recorded a decrease in air pollution levels. The air became fresher, and reduced pollution allowed nature to recover. For the first time since World War II, the Himalayas became visible from Indian cities over 230 kilometers away, no longer hidden behind pollution.
The decrease in human activity also enabled wildlife to return to areas that were previously inaccessible due to human presence. There were numerous reports of wild animals wandering into urban areas, reclaiming spaces that had long been dominated by people.
Long-Term environmental impacts
The pandemic provided the Earth with an opportunity to “heal” and allowed natural ecosystems to regenerate. However, it raises an important question: Did it really take a global crisis for us to realize how dependent we are on our environment? According to research, global CO2 emissions decreased by approximately 7%, and many companies began implementing sustainable practices, including reducing carbon footprints and minimizing waste.
While it is clear that human activity has a major impact on the environment, the pandemic showed that we can coexist with nature in a more sustainable way. This situation served as a wake-up call —perhaps we truly needed a crisis to understand how small and vulnerable we are in the face of Mother Nature’s power.
Why this is a call for change?
Over the past decades, human negligence has pushed the planet to the brink. Earth’s “lungs” are disappearing, ecosystems are collapsing, and countless species are on the verge of extinction. However, when human activity slowed down, nature began to thrive once again.
The planet has shown resilience and the ability to heal itself, but it also demands our care and respect. This period should serve as an opportunity for people to reconsider their priorities and recognize the importance of preserving nature for future generations.
Kako možemo sačuvati prirodu i živjeti u harmoniji s njom?
- Sustainable transportation: Using public transport, cycling, or walking instead of driving.
- Conscious consumption: Purchasing eco-friendly and sustainable products that do not harm the environment.
- Energy efficiency: Investing in renewable energy sources to reduce CO2 emissions.
- Responsible resource management: Reducing plastic usage and recycling whenever possible.
Conclusion
Although COVID-19 brought many challenges and hardships, it also offered a glimpse of what the planet can look like when given the chance to recover. Perhaps now is the moment for all of us to rethink our habits and build a more sustainable future in harmony with nature.
Our planet is not just our home; it is our partner in survival. We must cherish, protect, and nurture it. If we take responsibility, the Earth will reward us with health, purity, and beauty that we may have long forgotten.
