Yes Corona made me write this because I am that bored at home and I am trying new things. Corona AKA COVID – 19 has become the hottest topic in the world now. Entire world is suffering from this new virus. So far the death count is increasing day by day and it has become a global pandemic. This virus has locked down schools, work places, cities and countries around the world and has the strength of locking down the entire world. Economies are suffering and the world is moving into a massive recession. This is the bitter truth on the severity of this new virus taking over the world.
With all the information circulating around, I know as for now everyone know what we have to do to protect from COVID 19 and this is not another article to tell you methods of protecting from Corona. I am going to tell you something beyond COVID 19.
As a Rotaractor I have a habit of finding the silver lining in every dark cloud I see. When it comes to COVID 19 sliver line of this dark cloud is the positive impact made on our Mother Nature through lockdown of cities and countries around the world. Levels of air pollutants and warming gases over most cities and regions are showing significant drops as coronavirus impacts work and travel. According to Researchers in New York Carbon Monoxide emitted mainly from cars had been reduced by nearly 50% compared with last year.
Emissions of the planet-Research has also found that there was a 5-10% drop in CO2 over New York and a solid drop in Methane as well. An analysis carried out for the climate website ‘Carbon Brief’ suggested there had been a 25% drop in energy use and emissions in China over a two week period. This is likely to lead to an overall fall of about 1% in China’s Carbon emissions this year, experts believe. Such trends will be seen all around the world with the slowdown of production activities, reduction in traveling and events that gather a mass crowd. I have a feeling that the nature will love this much needed break!
BUT…
We have to face few challenges as well down the line. Just think a bit. One of the biggest challenge is the increase of single use masks and their disposal. Just look back. Yes you used a mask today to protect yourself and the community around you from the virus. So what happened to that mask? Where is it now? Did you ever think where would they end up? How many masks are being used now around the world? Can you count the number of masks? How many more would it be? The negative impact of use of single masks has already started and thousands of them are already in the sea around the world making it a massive threat to the environment and it will continue to be a huge threat on our Mother Nature. We are not too late still. If we act fast and take action now, we will be able to reduce the negative impact and keep our world alive.
It is our responsibility to protect our Mother Nature. We should take responsibility rather than pointing our fingers at Government or local authorities. We as responsible individuals need to put our thinking cap on now and find a proper method to dispose the face masks used around the world ensuring the well-being of our Mother Nature.
What can we do with these masks? Did you ever think about it? As a suggestion we can use used masks to plant trees. This is just a one suggestion and I am sure you can think many more. Think twice before you throw your next mask to the garbage bin. This is time to put to your thinking hat on as a Rotaractor and help the world fight another disaster. This world is on your hand.
As Rotaractors that can change the world, let’s all take a pledge TODAY to be a responsible citizen
By Rtr Nipun Alwis | Email: nipunalwis@gmail.com
