Is this the Earth asking us to slow down?
While the smartest species faces the ramifications of the virus, the planet for once in a very long time seems to be ‘breathing’. Is nature trying to show us what should ‘really’ matter?
When you look at the silent streets from your own balconies, what do you feel — an eerie hush or tranquillity? Does isolation make you feel uncomfortable or relaxed? Or are you still in denial and believe this is a hoax/conspiracy?
Have you experienced the unexpected positive impacts of the pandemic?
The image on the left is a visual representation (pre-virus and during-virus) of the average Nitrogen DiOxide gas found in the troposphere over China. See the red and yellow patches? It’s no surprise they represent danger. When the pandemic was at its peak in China, the NO2 levels were at an all-time low!
Coincidence you ask? Remember the high school subject called ‘environmental studies’ — let’s brush up. NO2 is one of the air pollutants produced from combustion processes. About 80% of the pollutant is produced from vehicle exhaust, the remaining 20% from refining industries, power stations, food processing and other industries. And if you are still wondering if NO2 is ‘really’ something we should be worried about, those serious respiratory troubles are caused due to high concentrations of NO2 in the air we breathe, acid rain — an outcome of NO2 at higher levels in the atmosphere, this pollutant is the most critical component of smog among other adverse effects.
When China adopted social distancing — the impacts are what we see above. The decline in air pollution is dramatic.
I know there’ll be folks out there arguing how there are no direct correlations, let’s look at the same trend in Italy, shall we?
The crowds of tourists who normally swarm the Venice canals are gone and the number of motorboats vastly reduced. As a consequence, the normally polluted waters of the canals are clearer than at any time many locals can remember. Dolphins seem to be enjoying the pandemic! Are the smartest species, next in line after humans, exploring the planet that they could relish ones the smartest ones are extinct due to their ‘not so smart’ decisions?
Update-On exploring the sources, I have realised that the news about dolphins in canals is fake news. Be careful of your sources.
People across the world are witnessing streets with no traffic and breathing fresh air.
Let’s change the perspective now.
When was the last time we identified ourselves as a part of a community that is not restricted by nationalities, religions and political orientations? Today, we need to not only ensure our safety, but also of those around us, those we interact with and those our loved ones mingle with. For the very first time in history, inadvertently, we are as connected as humans.
That is not to say that the pandemic is any kind of a blessing in disguise, with all the suffering it has imposed on people. At the most, it shows it’s easy to overlook chronic, long term health threats such as air pollution, and thus, harder to muster an adequate response.
What does this mean? Earth can HEAL? This is brand new information!!! (not really)
Two months is all it took for the planet to reset to the natural state — a crisis that had been created by man over centuries.
Scientists and environmental activists had warned us; emphasized that the time to act was now; stated all facts and figures to underscore how we are brutally destroying the only planet we call home and yet we refused to acknowledge it. Leaders around the world claimed it was impossible to stop the world even for a day — that the economies would fall.
Look at how the tables have turned.
Nature threw a virus unknown and devastating right at our self-centred species, and we took the same ‘impossible decisions’.
No flourishing economy can save the planet, sustainable development can.
This does not imply that the novel virus is necessarily a result of man’s environmentally condemned choices, it simply implies that there is hope. Only we cannot afford to wait for the next calamity to remind us that the time to act is now. The solutions we take now can be turned into long-term planet-focused developments — a choice that would bring us closer to nature. After all, our planet does not have an unlimited capacity to sustain our growing needs
Nature can still heal itself if we give it the urgent attention it needs
Are our natural clocks ticking way too fast?
Do we even remember what we stand for? The human species — the ‘smartest species on the planet’ — we hardly seem to be living up to this self-proclaimed tag. Is this nature silently telling us to stop and think?
Gratitude; how often to we appreciate those who care for us, respect the honest work of those around us? On the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic — doctors, medical staff, health workers, cleaning and sanitisation staff selflessly execute their duties. They play their part today, it would be your turn tomorrow. We are all connected in the circle of life.
Respect the planet. Submit to the might of nature, quit believing that you are the reason the universe works the way it does. If the pandemic were to wipe off human life from Earth today, it would not change anything in the universe. We are not as important as we think ourselves to be. Respect the world, respect life in every form.
Love. For all those who have reconnected with their families as a result of this pandemic, don’t lose it. Let us prioritize our loved ones and their well being over everything else.
Community. We are meant to be strong together, believe together and educate together. Be a part of humans! A herd is always stronger. Let us rise above those perceived differences that keep us apart. Let us understand what really matters and focus on those. Nations across the globe are woefully unprepared for this pandemic, not only in terms of medical facilities but also in awareness and education. Of course, we were busy witnessing some small groups fighting over petty issues. Time to wake up!
Relax and take a breath — the air is pure too!
This is indeed your only chance to save the world (and I don’t mean just the virus). Don’t screw this up.
Remember the statistics I shared for NO2? 80% of the emissions are in the hands of individuals. If many little people do many little things — we can bring about a huge change. All we need to do is modify some everyday choices, we can contribute to reduce our use of water, reduce our consumption of non-reusable, toxic products, choose energy efficiency over cost and convenience. If you are reading this in your quarantined lifestyle, are what I suggest really changes anymore, merely alternatives. It’s not impossible. I still have hope.
Consider this a final warning, the only one we will get before nature reclaims this planet; for nature values life, not a lifestyle.
