The Positives from the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic

Source: Pxfuel

Many around the world are suffering from the coronavirus pandemic that has ravaged several countries across the world. Self-isolation, remote working, and restricted movement is a new and harsh reality for many of us which can feel like a curse at times, a desolation and irksome loneliness. Nevertheless, I would like to say that all of us are doing our part to help our healthcare system sustain through these hard times by quarantining ourselves as much as possible and preventing the spread of the disease. As we look into the future after this crisis, it will certainly be a challenge to settle down. But what if I tell you that there are certain benefits during this hardship that we can continue to our future. Yes, the pandemic is devastating, both to our people and our economy for a short period of time, but what we get out of it might just be for the good of our World. It’s a reality we can shape into a positive livelihood, a new culture for a new era.

Several businesses switched to a remote working model which is causing a fundamental shift in our workforce. At-home technologies like Zoom, WebEx, MS Teams, Whiteboard, and Slack are too good to be true in making remote working and virtual learning a reality. We have reconstructed our mindset through this time and are furthering our productiveness. And in a world facing the grim reality of Climate Change, this practice can potentially save our planet for our future generation.

It’s hard to believe that a single microscopic pathogen, not even alive, has been capable of accomplishing what political leaders have not been able to do for decades. Just in these couple of months, there has been a massive drop in air pollution which, in fact, is a very welcome sign in the fight against Climate Change. In areas such as Wuhan, Northern Italy, and metropolitan cities in the U.S. such as New York, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Chicago, there has been a revitalization in air quality. Maintaining quality air conditions can save an estimated 50,000 lives in these respective nations alone who would otherwise die from severe strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic pulmonary and respiratory infections due to air pollution. Due to our daily commute to work which is drastically increased over the years as if on steroids, nitrogen dioxide — which is produced by cars and trucks — has increased exponentially. Now they have decreased by almost 40–60% at the advent of the virus. In addition, aerosols and carbon dioxide emissions have substantially dropped, by more than 200 million tons in China alone, by over 50% in New York City, and over 70% in New Delhi, all places notorious for their pollution. This has created a clear and radiant atmosphere, which I hope will last into the future.

The evidence is astonishing…

A significant, sudden drop in Nitrogen Dioxide emissions detected by NASA and ESA pollution monitoring satellites between January and February. (Images: NASA Earth Observatory)

Comparison of Nitrogen Dioxide atmospheric density from vehicle emissions during the coronavirus outbreak vs. the same time last year. (Images: NASA Earth Observatory)

So, I get it. It’s a harsh reality. But maybe it’s a step worth pursuing. You see, this change can possibly revolutionize our economy. Less commute and more remote working mean employers can save money on unnecessary operation costs, increasing company profits and wages to employees. Employees would be productive and enjoy the savings from the hidden costs of regular commutes. It’s a literal win-win. And we will reduce our dependency on fossil fuels while transitioning to more viable, renewable options.

It is an action we must take for even greater benefits:

• Huge reduction in CO2 and nitrous oxide emissions
• Fewer traffic Gridlocks — nothing is more joyful than this
• Less time wasted on commuting and more productivity
• Less fuel consumption (According to the EIA, Americans use more than 380 million gallons of petroleum every day) which can reduce the need to transport fuel, reducing emissions and surface runoff of toxic chemicals into ecosystems.
• Less usage of vehicles thus reducing vehicle maintenance and accidents
• Less stress due to the psychological and social costs from commuting
• Reduction in costs due to less energy in operating facilities and office buildings — natural gas needs for heating and electricity for lights.
• Reduction in office waste due to less use of paper and plastics which reduces environmental pollution.

Enterprises continuing to promote remote working culture, Colleges and Schools enabling virtual learnings, a drastic reduction of business travel, etc. will create a significant, positive impact against Climate Change.

5G will be a backbone in implementing the work at home practice, virtual learnings, and future at-home tech advancements.

Sooner or later we are going to get out of this pandemic, but we should not lose the benefits we are seeing during this time. So, we should plea to the business leaders, corporate executives, lawmakers, and world leaders to promote remote work and teaching practices… if not fully, at least partially to sustain the benefits.

Believe it or not, a Clean and Green Earth is possible, and we have seen the evidence during this short period of time.

I hope you see the bright future because I am already seeing it!