THE SILVER LINING IN THIS TIME OF GRIEF

New York City streets have been astonishingly empty. Web Photo.

With the coronavirus come the obvious concerns: public health, local jobs, and the economy as a whole.

Globally, this pandemic will wind up with many public issues to be dealt with during the recovery stages. Right now, however, Earth itself is reaping the benefits of less human activity.

Since nearly everyone is in quarantine around the world, there are less cars out and about. Many airlines have blacked out future dates and canceled present flights due to COVID-19. Public transit systems have reduced running times, and some countries (including China) have even suspended public transportation in order to reduce spread of the virus.

The observable results of these cuts in carbon emissions have been clarifying.

China – a country known for heavy smog – has seen a sharp decline in air pollution, along with several other nations. The canals in Venice have not been this clear in decades. Photos have emerged of marine life, such as jellyfish and dolphins, that are now visible from above the canals. Although these beautiful shots make it harder for us humans to stay inside, they also have served as an eye-opener for many people, just in time for Earth Day (April 22).

In the spirit of Earth Day being this week, it might also be important to discuss the meteorology report released by Colorado State University this month. According to a report by the CSU Tropical Meteorology Project, the Atlantic Ocean’s hurricane season is forecast to be above average, with 16 named storms, eight hurricanes, and four major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher) predicted. This year’s numbers will be above the 30-year average in each category, if the predictions are correct.

As the consequences of climate change grow more concerning each year, it is inspiring to see what this pandemic-triggered adjustment in human activity can achieve.

I’m not suggesting a permanent quarantine or banning cars, but maybe people will start taking our role in climate change a little more seriously from here on out, given the fresh evidence of our mass impact.