The Coronavirus pandemic has changed life as we know it. With the implementation of lockdown measures happening globally – limiting social interaction to the absolute necessities, the closure of borders and enforced quarantine measures – the privileges of the modern, consumer-age seem to have slowed down, and quite drastically at that.
Preceding the outbreak of the virus, there has been a greater focus on climate change and the necessity to protect our environment. This has been the centre of numerous political agendas, introduced in several company policies and the angst of millions of activists globally.
In a strange turn of events, the outbreak of the virus has seemingly given planet Earth the break it needs. According to Scientific America, the spreading of the virus has caused a dip in global greenhouse gas emissions over the past month. Some reasons for this could include the temporary pause to industrial activities, falling demand for oil and a drastic decline in air travel. In fact, in China alone, the world’s largest carbon emitter, experts estimate that emissions over the past month have been 25% lower than normal. Along with this, Italy has seen its Venice Canal clearer than ever.
Let’s take a moment to celebrate the Earth on Saturday the 28th of March, as a positive in these strange and uncertain times. Every year, the hour of no power turns individuals, schools, businesses and communities into a million-strong movement of people raising their voices for nature through the symbolic action of switching off our lights.
Stay home, stay safe and for one hour – switch off the lights for planet Earth.
