Millions of people suffering from difficulty breathing, thousands of deaths happening worldwide, different races covered in fear, and economies and finances of nations from different parts of the world are at risk. These are the scenarios we often see in movies before. Unfortunately, this is now the reality most people are trying to live with nowadays.
The things that are happening to mankind now might all seem so negative. But are you aware of the claims that say the current pandemic has a good side?
CLAIM #1: WATER POLLUTION HAS DECREASED
Due to the pandemic, the government from most parts of the world are now advising their people to stay inside their houses to keep them safe and to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Due to limited people roaming outside, pollution and garbage are now lesser in all bodies of water too.
One of the places people claim has improved is the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. "The canal is definitely clearer, you just have to look at the canal when water is very calm", shared by Serguei Michtchenko, a Venice resident, in a YouTube video posted by FRANCE 24. The resident also said it looks cleaner too.
TRUTH:
It might be tempting to say that this is true, but the Venice Mayor's office explains otherwise. According to the representative, due to less boat traffic, the canal appears to be clearer as sediments are pushed to "stay at the bottom". Unfortunately, it doesn't mean the canal is now cleaner as it was before.
CLAIM #2: THE EARTH IS NOW BREATHING
The pandemic also caused streets in every corner of the world to become empty of vehicles, large factories to cancel their operations, and people to not smoke to strengthen their immunity and health. The claims say due to these, the earth is finally able to free itself from gasses such as carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur oxides, which can cause air pollution big time. Even the ozone layer is allegedly benefiting a lot as experts observe healing and improvement.
TRUTH:
There is indeed a significant decrease in air pollution around the world especially in eastern and central China happening right now, revealing a change of about 10 to 30 percent. But though the rate poses very significant values, experts say this can only be temporary, as reported by USA Today.
"This really shouldn't be seen as a silver lining", explains McGill University associate professor and epidemiologist Jill Baumgartner. He also added that the crisis the world is experiencing now pose more negative impacts, which people should take seriously.
