In a span of months, our lives have changed completely due to the coronavirus. Our daily routines were disrupted and we have to perform social distancing for the sake of global health. But did our lives change for the better? Although this pandemic has infected many and will continue to do so, there is a bright side to this monstrosity. A huge benefit from the virus is that air quality has improved in areas of lockdown. For a long time, China has been a main contributor in carbon emissions. Since many lockdowns have been initiated in China, the air quality has improved. According to China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, “the average number of “good quality air days” increased 21.5% in February, compared to the same period last year.” This decrease in air pollution can also be observed in Italy. Italy has also been hit greatly by Covid-19. Between Jan. 1 and March 12, concentrations of nitrogen dioxide produced by cars and power plants went down immensely, especially over Italy, according to the ESA’s Sentinel-5P satellite.

https://onetreeplanted.org/blogs/stories/climate-change-benefits-coronavirus. Not only has the air quality improved, the water quality has improved as well. These improvements in water quality can be seen in the canals in Venice, Italy. Cruise ships usually roam among these canals and release lots of pollution, however, the restriction on travel gave the canals an opportunity to clear up. Many residents of Venice have been filled with amazement over the clearness of the canal.

Although these benefits will not outweigh the many lives lost and impacted by the virus, we should still look at the silver lining during these tough times.

<Brian Lee/ Troy High 9th Grade>