Did the Earth defend itself with Covid against the way we treat it?

 

Yes, the Earth could be said to be defending itself with Covid against the way we treat it. After all, this global pandemic has been a dramatic reminder of what can happen when humans do not respect and care for their environment.

The pandemic has spurred a much-needed shift in how people interact with their environment. It has made people realise that their daily activities have a direct impact on the world around them and its health. For starters, people have cut back on air travel and motorised transport, leading to a significant reduction in air pollution. In regions where air quality had long been affected by traffic and pollution, people are now able to breathe more clean air.

The pandemic has also transformed how people engage with nature. With so much of life placed on pause, people have been able to determine their preference for getting outside instead of automatically driving or taking a plane to a destination. In doing so, it has strengthened the understanding that nature not only provides a refuge and escape, but is also a necessary source of health and wellbeing.

Moreover, the pandemic has pushed businesses and governments to invest in cleaner energy sources. This is partly due to the economic strain that has accompanied the pandemic, which has resulted in a shift in resources away from petrol and oil in favour of renewable energy sources. This could potentially be a game-changer for the planet in the long-term.

At the same time, the pandemic has put the issue of sustainability front and centre on people’s agendas. The emphasis on strict hygiene practices in public spaces has put a spotlight on single-use plastic and how waste is managed globally. This has inspired a surge of eco-friendly alternatives available on the market, including products made of sustainable materials.

Additionally, by forcing people to stay home, the pandemic has highlighted the need for more attention to be paid to the planet’s dwindling resources. This includes reducing the amount of water used in daily activities and reconsidering the sources of produce most widely consumed consume. It goes without saying that these measures will not be possible without a concerted global effort.

Of course, it is too soon to say whether the pandemic will ultimately be beneficial to the environment, as the long-term effects of the virus are still unfolding. Nevertheless, it is clear that the pandemic has brought attention to the moral imperative to care for the environment and shown that it is possible to make positive changes to our behaviour and attitudes. In this sense, Covid has served as a reminder that our actions have consequences, and that if we do not respect the planet, the planet will be sure to return the favour.