Coronavirus Lockdown Might Lead To Biggest Drop In CO2 Emissions Since WWII

World War II witnessed unprecedented deaths that shook the world economy and toppled many governments and politics of many countries. However, there were effects of this global war that have left permanent marks on our planet. The carbon dioxide or CO2 emission had reached unprecedented levels which took the planet ages to heal. But with the rise of the Industrial Age, the healing has slowed down. Now with the coronavirus pandemic, while mankind remains on high alert and nations are busy fighting against the rising death toll, this period of pause has given nature some time to heal. Everywhere around the world, animals can be seen roaming freely around the spaces they once habituated. Scientists too believe that the CO2 emission has reduced thanks to this lockdown. But is the reality really that simple? Read on to find out.

What’s In It?

The Chairman of the Global Carbon Project, Rob Jackson produces the widely watched annual emission estimates, and he stated that the carbon output could reduce by more than 5% year-on-year and this is the first dip since the 1.4% reduction of carbon emission, after the 2008 financial crisis.

Speaking to Reuters, Rob Jackson added, “Neither the fall of the Soviet Union nor the various oil or savings and loan crises of the past 50 years are likely to have affected emissions the way this crisis has.” This prediction comes along with a series of silver lining across the stormy clouds as climate researchers are reporting positive reports of even the ozone layer healing itself over the Southern hemisphere. Check out this video that depicts the 5 Positive Things Amidst COVID-19 Outbreak That Prove That The Earth Is Healing

What’s More?

But all this silver should not move us away from the fact that these changes come at a huge price. More than 950,000 people have been affected worldwide which has an adverse effect on the world economy. Many factories are shutting down as millions stay locked in their homes trying to slow the spread of this virus. Did you know Garbage Collection In Bangalore To Take A Hit Amidst COVID-19 Lockdown?

Environmental experts suggest that without structural change, these emission declines will only be short-lived and have little impact on the carbon dioxide accumulated in the atmosphere over decades. Already as China begins to restore the sense of normalcy in their country, the carbon emission has started reaching their normal levels. We as people need to understand that with changing times, it is important to pay heed to the nature around us that is slowly succumbing to our incessant greed and hunger. We need to strike a balance before the scales tip over against out favour.