This past week (really the entire first part of 2020) has definitely been a rollercoaster for many countries, and us seniors while college decisions come out. While it seems like the world is full of chaos, it’s beneficial to read about accomplishments and discoveries that aren’t as highlighted in the news. Here is some good news about the past couple of weeks:
For the first time, Italy’s tourism is halted and the canals have become crystal clear along with wildlife like fish, swans, and dolphins occupying the water. With the lack of motorboat traffic, the sediment isn’t resuspended and there is little synthesis of organic compounds from CO2.
Pollution in China has also decreased, leading to “good air days” increasing by 21.5%. The emission of nitrogen dioxide emissions has dramatically reduced and the toxic gas covering the city is almost gone. CO2 emissions have also decreased by at least 25%. The sharp decline is due to the lack of production of oil, steal and 70% reduction in airline flights but China’s coal usage was the biggest contributor. While it is likely that once production goes back to normal, there is hope that China will continue its efforts to transform its economy into something that will be more environmentally friendly. Hong Kong’s air pollution has also decreased dramatically since coronavirus.
On February 13th, firefighters in New South Wales, Australia announced that all the fires were contained for the first time, and as of early March, all the bushfires in the state have been extinguished.
Endangered blue whales were spotted on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia. Researchers counted 36 sightings of 55 whales during the 2020 trip compared to the sighting of two whales in 2018.
Sources:
Its amazing to see how quickly nature adjusts to changes in pollution due to lock-downs. Reducing industrial pollution really helps the environment, though its unfortunate that this has mostly happened as a result of COVID-19.
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting I didn't know any of this and I agree its crazy how we are being affected by this virus but other things are being benefited due to the act that there aren't as much people out. This blog made me think that the virus can be beneficial to many other things. Even though COVID19 is affecting everyone due to the lockdown it is fixing other problems in the world. I think this is good and it makes me kinda happy because animals in the ocean are having better CO2 and also there isn't a lot of pollution anymore in China due to there lockdown and due to the COVID19 that came from there. While I was typing this I was wonder how did China contain the virus because I don't think that they are still on lockdown. Why doesn't China help us and help people understand that the lockdown can contain the virus.
ReplyDeleteChina has been helping us (I saw that one billionaire donated money and free tests to us), but sadly our government downplayed it and hasn't done much to help. Because Trump fired the pandemic team in 2018 and never replaced them, there was not a good enough effort taken to reduce exposure. The US doesn't have enough test kits and the kits they have cost money meaning those without funds cannot afford it. They are also not testing people that weren't in direct contact even if they have all the symptoms due to lack of supplies. People in other states haven't realized the severity of COVID-19 and continue to ignore guidelines to stay home. Only state governments have taken action to reduce the spread.
DeleteThis is super fascinating. I am really interested to see what will happen to the smog in LA. I have seen photos of the highways which are normally totally congested practically empty. Although LA suffers from an inversion layer I am hopeful that the smog will lift and it can be clear for once. Did any of your research talk about this?
ReplyDeleteI didn't see anything about it when I was looking but from what I've heard from my friends that live in LA is that it is clearer and there's 0 traffic. I'm guessing it will help improve the smog and help the environment with the extreme lack of fuels being used.
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