On March 11,On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic as the numbers are clearly showing that we are living through a health crisis the scale of which will be overwhelming in the coming days. Life has changed beyond all recognition as we know of it. Already global trade has been disrupted, flights have been canceled and people are now working from home or staying at home. Amidst all the chaos we are missing out on some interesting positive effects on the environment in particular and society in general. Let’s look into some of these:

1. Corona- the
other side of
the coin

2. On March 11,On March 11, the World Health Organization
(WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic as the
numbers are clearly showing that we are living through a
health crisis the scale of which will be overwhelming in the
coming days. Life has changed beyond all recognition as we
know of it. Already global trade has been disrupted, flights
have been canceled and people are now working from
home or staying at home. Amidst all the chaos we are missing
out on some interesting positive effects on the environment in
particular and society in general. Let’s look into some of
these:

3. The most remarkable is theThe most remarkable one is
the effect it is having on the environment most
notably seen in developed and developing
industrial nations like China and western
countries. A significant drop in air pollution is
seen in many parts of the world owing to the
industrial shutdown. This resulted in a 5- to
10% drop in air pollutants like carbon dioxide in
New York. Methane emissions have also droppe
significantly. Dolphins are returning to the shore
of Italy. The condition of the Ozone layer is
improving. With all this, there is a ray of hope fo
countries to be able to meet their Paris Climate
Accord goals according to experts.
Restoration of Environment

4. Personal goals
On a personal level, improvement can be seen
particularly in living standards. Due to the Corona
outbreak, everyone has now developed the habit of
washing their hands more often and covering their
mouths while coughing or sneezing. This will soon
become part of our lifestyle. Coming to sin habits
like smoking, drinking alcohol, etc. or buying
clothes, gadgets or the expense of petrol/ diesel,
these 21 days would surely help one save some cash
and health in long term. Also, man individuals are
giving their bodies and mind the rest they deserve
with no pressure of reaching office on time, no
exam pressure and no 5 am alarms.

5. 3) Family time People are now reconnecting
with long lost friends and relatives. Families
are spending quality time playing games,
practicing new forms of art, pursuing some
hobby etc. With no eating out and no
shopping people are working on their
kitchen skills.
Family Time

6. International Unity
Internationally too countries have pushed
aside trade wars, border disputes, illegal
immigration, and other issues. Corona
being the common enemy that cannot be
killed even with the biggest weapons,
rival nations has joined hands in fighting
it. Nations are offering monetary help to
the underdeveloped nations.

7. Beyond everything, the whole society is
going through a phase of self-realization.
There is a realization of the
interconnectedness of the humans beyond
race, religion or caste as corona has
affected us equally. The society is realizing
the concept of live and let live along with
animals and plants.
Amidst all the tragedies and chaos it has
bought, we sure have learned the concept
of sustainable living.
The Eye-Opener