How COVID-19 Is Affecting Our Environment

Wuhan’s air pollution is replaced by breathable skies
Photo Credit: Nasa 
The epicenter of the corona virus was also a major industrial hub, with a hazardous level of air pollution. But the lock-down in China’s Hubei province has unintentionally brought emissions under control. According to China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the air quality improved by 21.5 per cent in February.

Single-use masks clutter Hong Kong’s scenic locations

Photo Credit: Shutterstock
 in China, a shortage sprang up quick, with citizens resorting to using fruit rinds, mesh bags and even brassieres to protect their face. Hong Kong's seven million-plus residents have been using single-use surgical face masks, but not disposing them properly. As a result, they have started to litter forests, nature trails and beaches. Masks have washed up on the sands of the Soko islands, an uninhabited group south of the city. Hong Kong's residents lead a fast-paced life, with most waste going to landfill instead of being recycled. Since the rot is deep, the masks are showing up in large enough numbers to even affect marine life (choking, strangling) or amplify the spread of germs from asymptomatic carriers.

With a decline in tourists, Venice's canals clear up

Photo Credit: Marco Capovilla/Venezia Pulita

 After Italy went under lock-down, the reduced tourism appeared to have improved water quality along the canals. Locals marveled at the clarity, and at being able to see fish swimming about. The Venice mayor's office, however, said it was a false alarm. The lack of boats meant the waters were simply undisturbed, allowing sediments to settle at the bottom of the canals. A spokesman confirmed that air quality, instead, has been better, due to restricted boat traffic and resident movement. 

original source: For Better or Worse, COVID-19 is Changing Our Environment - Outlook Traveller