Google Search Trends shows that the public is interested in understanding the impact of coronavirus on the environment. Ostensibly, the pandemic has renewed interest in wildlife trade and an appreciation for better air quality. But will it last?
By Shriya Raina
The coronavirus pandemic can potentially change our outlook on the environment. The tracing of the virus to an animal source, plausibly a result of unregulated wildlife markets, and the subsequent halt in human activity globally has renewed public interest in the ecosystem.
This is reflected in Google search trends where topics such as “Coronavirus and the environment” and “The impact of coronavirus on the environment” show a huge spike in interest since the outbreak in December 2019.
Spotlight on wildlife trade
The novel coronavirus is a zoonotic disease whose source has been traced to bats. The virus is expected to have jumped from bats to pangolins, and from pangolins to the human species at the Wuhan seafood market that also sold live wild animals.
This is not the first zoonotic disease we are confronted with. It is estimatedthat 60% of all human diseases originate in animals. Hunters in the early days were always known to be susceptible to zoonotic diseases from handling wild animals such as primates that carry several viruses. However, we no longer live in dispersed settlements. The commercial sale of a wide variety of wild animals in cramped spaces and crowded wet markets not only increases the chances of inter-species transmission but also escalates inter-human transmission.
Following the 2002 SARS epidemic in China, that also originated in bats and potentially spread through civet cats consumed as meat in parts of China; there was no government action beyond a temporary ban to curb wildlife sale in wet markets.
The novel coronavirus pandemic brought wildlife trade and consumption to the forefront and subsequently led to China imposing a permanent banon wildlife trade. Although one might argue that the focus is impartially on China, and not on other hotspots for wildlife trade and consumption; there is a greater public awareness and a renewed movement for global action on illegal wildlife trade and consumption.
The observed reduction in air pollution during the lockdown
Restrictions on outdoor activity or “lockdowns” imposed by governments across the globe have naturally improved air quality as fuel combustion and industrial pollution – both significant contributors to air pollution have ceased.
A recent research publication attempts to measure the environmental impact of the lockdown. The study finds that the month of May, which typically shows a peak in carbon emissions recorded the lowest levels of air pollution since the 2008 financial crisis. China, Northern Italy, Spain, and the UK recorded reductions in their nitrogen dioxide levels, energy use, and carbon emission. Similarly, New York recorded a 5-10% drop in carbon dioxide levels and a significant drop in methane.
In India, there is a visible drop in the Air Quality Index (AQI) as large cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Lucknow recorded two-digit AQI scores. PMand PMconcentrations in Delhi reduced by half in comparison to the pre-lockdown period, with Central and Eastern Delhi showing the largest improvement in air quality.
Water quality has also shown visible improvements with a curb in industrial effluents. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in India recorded that the Ganges had an average water quality score of 27 points – suitable for the propagation of wildlife and fisheries.
Aside from the data, social media is abuzz with sightings of wild animals and mountain ranges. On 3 April, residents in Jalandhar celebrated the visibility of the Dhauladhar mountain range – a rare sighting in a populated city.
Whether these are temporary admirations, or if there is indeed a shift in our consciousness about the environment is unknown. However, the pandemic seems to have initiated public demand for better environmental legislation.
