Temperatures are changing, glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising, not your typical Christmas carol, with a certain sense of dejection, climate change is here. We humans are so blessed of Mother Earth’s bountiful resources yet we didn’t give much in return. In fact, our human activities such as burning fossil fuels, industrial activities, etc. causes greenhouse gases are by far the biggest cause of global warming which results to climate change.
“Only after the last tree has been cut down. Only after the last river has been poisoned. Only after the last fish has been caught, only then will you find that money cannot be eaten.” The Indian Cree proverb predicts a time where future consequences are shaped by our present actions. This was already a warning centuries ago, but why do we continue ravaging the earth? Is humanity worth saving?
December 2019, in Wuhan, China a new virus disease outbreak began and now characterized as a pandemic that shook the world. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) the official name of the virus responsible for the COVID-19 (previously known as “2019 novel coronavirus”) and the disease it causes. This invisible enemy has caused enforced lockdown of varying degrees in countries and regions around the world. Factories and companies have closed temporarily, travels (in land, air, sea) are prohibited (except for those delivering food and medical supplies), and people are staying at home to help prevent the spread of the virus.
As the government ordered people to stay at home, positive impacts amidst COVID-19 starts taking effects. Dramatic changes in the environment have been seen such as reductions in air and water pollution to animals taking over the towns and cities. In China, where the first cases of coronavirus were detected, a massive decline in pollution and greenhouse gases have now been recorded. According to China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment “good quality, air days” have increased by 21.5% in February. We now look at the bright side wherein Mother Nature is healing during COVID-19 pandemic.
This is our second chance. Since this pandemic enlighten us that it’s just us humans who’ve done great havoc in our milieu. We should develop new habits to make a positive impact for a healthier and sustainable planet. One way is by using single-use plastics or reusable bags to reduce plastic pollution. In fact, according to an article from unenvironment.org “plastics found to emit potent greenhouse gases. Hawaii University researchers report the unexpected discovery that the most common plastics emit traces of methane and ethylene when exposed to sunlight.” Keep in mind that in our own little ways we can create a huge impact, we’re not so small anymore.
As this pandemic caused by humans heals the planet. This virus is a lugubrious consequence from what the humans have done to nature. In this man-made world, we’ve been the virus the whole time.
It’s time to make changes. And it is responsiblity of all.