'Development versus destruction: When will humans learn nature's lessons?

This period of stagnation in global economic activities is certainly worrisome, but its unexpected positive impact on the environment is both a warning and a lesson for the world.

- 

When man stopped his activities, even if unknowingly, nature started breathing freely. In the last few months, transparency returned in the flow of rivers, an unprecedented decrease in air pollution was seen and the sky became blue again. Seeing all this, it seems as if nature is calling out - "O human! Now be careful, read my pain!"

Earth breathing in lockdown

The lockdown imposed due to Covid-19 five years ago halted human activities. Industrial emissions, vehicle smoke and unnecessary travel all came to a halt. As a result, the levels of gases like carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide in the atmosphere decreased, leading to improved air quality in major cities around the world. Research shows that global carbon emissions recorded a record reduction of 5% in the year 2020. This shows that the roots of air pollution are hidden in our lifestyle.

The water in rivers like Ganga and Yamuna appeared cleaner than ever before. It became possible to see the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas from the plains of North India. All this happened because man learned to 'pause' for once. It was a pause in which the earth got rest and the environment got relief.

Can this be permanent?

The lockdown five years ago was an emergency, not a solution. But it did make us realise that pollution and ecological degradation are man-made and can be reduced-if there is political will and civic resolve. But alas, as the lockdown was lifted, everything went back to normal. Pollution returned, rivers turned black again, factory smoke covered the sky again.

Hawking's warning and today's reality