We are all very familiar with the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our lives (changes in work, changes in schooling, changes in social behavior, loss of loved ones), but what impact has the pandemic had on the environment?
Just as the pandemic has had both positive (more time with family, a slower pace of life) and negative (cancelling of vacations, health concerns) impacts on our personal lives, it has had both positive and negative impacts on the environment.
Some Positive Impacts
- Improved air quality in major cities across the world
- Restoration of ecological systems in some areas (tourist destinations, etc.)
Some Negative Impacts
- Increase of medical waste / concerns about proper disposal of medical waste
- Increased demand for and usage of disposable / single-use items (masks, gloves, etc.)
Read more in the following article:
Although lockdowns and changes to our behavior have had some positive changes on the environment, especially with lower emissions, several of these changes will likely be temporary. However, as changes in how we think about traditional daily activities (driving to work daily, for example) are resulting from the pandemic, we can be hopeful that we will still see some lasting positive impacts from this crisis well into the future.