As I sit here in my living room binge watching shows on Netflix, in the midst of social distancing due to COVID-19, I can’t help but wonder if it has an effect on the environment for it’s evident that it has had a MAJOR effect on the global economy. At this point COVID-19 needs no introduction in terms of what it is and the havoc it has wreaked on humanity. With that being said let us take a closer look at the effects of COVID-19 on the environment.

BENEFITS OF COVID-19 ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Due to directives put in place to curb the spread of the virus; social distancing and travel bans have momentarily crippled the tourism sector and as a result nature has benefited. There are clean beaches and crystal-clear oceans. Animals are now frolicking in formerly populated areas and sea creatures are exploring marine routes that were regularly traversed by ship.

In addition, reduced driving and air transport has dampened the global demand for oil and fuel. Industrial production and manufacturing have also slowed down resulting in fewer emissions. Air pollution brought about by particulate matter has fallen, the particles are either dispersed or absorbed; therefore, many areas are experiencing clean air. It is predicted that greenhouse gas emissions could drop to levels not previously witnessed before World War 2 due to social distancing. However, some countries have opened their airports and various social hubs so the levels are likely to rise.

On the other hand, if COVID-19 continues until the end of the year, consumer demand may not pick up because of lost wages. Product output and fossil fuel use may not recover quickly even though the capacity to do so is there.

WILL THE OUTBREAK NECESSITATE THE END OF CHINESE MARKETS SELLING LIVE ANIMALS?

Since the outbreak was discovered to originate from one of China’s food markets, selling live animals, there have been calls for an international ban on the sale of live animals. The calls for the ban stem from the fact that these markets are considered a threat to public health. China did temporarily ban the sale of live animals in all food markets in Wuhan (China’s epicenter for COVID-19) in January 2020 but they are being reopened. The reasoning behind their reopening is the fact that these markets are a source of income for low-income households in the country.

NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF COVID-19

Climate action

The coronavirus outbreak has stopped meetings and public protests that advocate for climate action that were to be held this year. However significant the reductions in pollution are, it is only temporary because there is likely to be a rebound effect. Once countries reopen and restart their economies there will be a race to make up for lost time and this could lead to a surge in emissions. This is referred to as ‘revenge pollution’.

The coronavirus is also a serious threat to long-term climate action. The diversion of global investments and efforts towards combating the disease and keeping economies afloat have inadvertently weakened environmental goals to reduce emissions. Furthermore, the focus of governments and corporations will shift from long-term clean technology to short-term economic stimulus.

 

Medical waste

Medical waste produced in hospitals and by the general population will be a major issue. Especially single-use personal protective equipment such as masks and latex gloves.

Evidence of these masks making their way into our oceans, although minimal, presents a new type of pollution exclusive to COVID-19.

Single use masks are made from polypropylene, a form of plastic that is non-biodegradable.

Disposing of these PPEs incorrectly also presents a risk of cross-contamination, thus increasing the number of infections.

Wildlife and Deforestation

Since the pandemic begun, there has been an increase in poaching and logging in Southeast Asia and South America. This is linked to the reduced monitoring activity as well as suspension of economic activities forcing many to turn to these activities for food and income.

Increased agricultural activities and mining, which are both illegal, have been observed in Brazil, Cambodia and Colombia thus contributing heavily to tropical deforestation. This is further exacerbating the loss of rainforests in Asia, Africa and South America. The reduction in monitoring activity and conservation efforts is due to the shift of government funding to vaccine research and acquisition of ventilators and PPEs to battle the pandemic. Governments have also enforced strict lockdowns in efforts to protect their citizens and indigenous communities, thereby inhibiting patrols of tropical forests in Indonesia, Brazil, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This disturbing trend has also been observed in Kenya and Cambodia. There has been an increase in bush meat poaching in rural communities that relied heavily on tourism revenue and have made no income since the ban on international travel. This increased consumption of bush meat also puts these communities at risk of future pandemics. The disruption of ecosystems is linked to the rise of infectious diseases with over 70% of these diseases coming from wild animals such as Ebola.

Conclusion

60% of all wildlife has been decimated in the last 50 years while the number of new infectious diseases has quadrupled in the last 60 years. It is no coincidence that the destruction of ecosystems has coincided with a sharp increase in such diseases. Therefore, we need to do more to conserve and protect nature and in doing so protect ourselves!