In my CoVid 19 pause, I’ve spent some of my time tracking nature’s response around the globe, particularly in urban areas. With a significant drop in travel, both daily commutes and reduced miscellaneous trips (to the store for instance), there’s been a huge reduction in the use of fossil fuels. Dramatic improvements in air quality have been recorded in as little as two-weeks’ time.
Air quality has been measured in the levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is released into the air from the burning of fossil fuels used in cars, trucks and power plants. Exposure to high levels of NO2 can lead to asthma and other respiratory problems. In the environment it can lead to a visible haze in the air.
Los Angeles, known for its jammed freeways as well as its smog, has seen drastic improvements. Seattle and New York have had similar results and you can see those maps here. This amazing satellite time lapse video shows the reduction of NO2 emissions over China from December 20, 2019 to March 16, 2020.
There were dramatic drops in nitrogen dioxide levels in China revealed by satellite imagery.
Nitrogen dioxide also contributes to nutrient pollution in water. The water quality in Venice’s canals has seen marked improvement due to significantly reduced boat traffic and reduced turbidity, less stirred up sediment, revealing clear water and even aquatic life.
Nature is springing back in other ways. Business Insider aggregated images from around the world showing wildlife venturing into urban areas, from boar rummaging in the streets of Barcelona to wild turkeys recorded in a schoolyard in West Oakland, CA.
Wild boar rummaging the streets of Barcelona
We all know Carbon Dioxide is a large contributor to climate change. Emissions were reduced by 25% by med-February from the level found just a few weeks earlier in China. As China returns to “normal” operations, however, it is already approaching its pre-CoVid19 outbreak levels. I found this report in Carbon Brief illuminating regarding the effects of CoVid behavior change and cultural shifts on carbon emissions.
Let’s be clear that this trend is not going to reverse climate change. What’s striking, though, is how quickly things can turn around in either direction. I’m thinking about the changes in my life that I’ve made, relatively quickly and spontaneously, albeit forced by an epidemic, that I can carry forward. Do I need to go to the grocery store every other day? Certainly not. I can be more efficient. And though my grocery in Brooklyn is 2 blocks away and I walk to it, if I lived somewhere else, that would mean two less trips in a car each week.
And thinking forward, do I need to travel across the country for a conference, or can it be held virtually, like all the other meetings I’ve had over the past month? At least that possibility could be offered, which would also address some equity issues, potentially enabling those who don’t have the resources for travel and accommodations to attend the conference. What about work from home Friday? Or Sunday pause day?
I’m also asking, amidst the stress and anxiety that is present daily (and the reason I’ve created the #MoveWithMe online video series), what this pause has brought. I have a little more time and space in my day, something I haven’t been able to cultivate for myself for years. This means I’m taking better care of my body, reflecting regularly, and connecting more often with family and friends. I’ve, in part, gained that time because I’m not traveling anywhere.
What might you carry over or expand from your CoVid19 experiences?
I would really love to know, so drop me note here.