Business, Climate Change and COVID-19

By Katie Yorks

In the midst of a raging battle against the novel coronavirus, we have shown success on another war front. Climate change has been plaguing the Earth for decades due to adverse effects of pollution. While the world’s economic activity comes to a screeching halt, there has significant signs of decreased pollutants over some of the world’s major cities. Some of the most polluted cities in the world are reporting amazing, unintentional changes in their air quality.

Data is already showing numerous changes in a number of pollutants for many major cities. At the start of the year, China experienced a 25% drop in emissions when the quarantine was first issued. New York City’s pollution was reduced by 50% thanks to measures being used to contain the virus. In Northern Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom satellite images reveal nitrogen dioxide emissions to be simply fading away. PM 2.5 is a harmful chemical pollutant that permeates into the bloodstream via the lungs. New Delhi’s PM 2.5 rating was 91 micro-grams per cubic meter on March 20, in the span of a week, it dipped 71% to 26 micro-grams per cubic meter. The World Health Organization considers anything over 25 to be unsafe. Many cities experience countless losses due to pollution related illness.

Cities all around the world are noticing huge changes. The heavy smog in Beijing has cleared, there are blue skies in New Delhi, the canals in Italy are sparkling and clear and dolphins swim closer to the shores. It is imperative that governments are mindful of the positive changes that have been made during these negative times while re-stimulating their economies.

Businesses have been hit hard during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Unemployment has skyrocketed as employees are laid off of their jobs during the preventative lock downs. It is time for businesses to evaluate the new normal and figure out how to move forward. Despite the mass tragedy unfolding before us, Earth is healing. There is no better time than now for businesses to begin to think green.