Bright and Clear

[Tresbn00]

It is amazing how clean the air has gotten since the virus has moved in. With music venues, broadway shows, sports exhibitions, restaurants closed down, grocery store hours minimized, and a large percentage of the workforce forced to work from home, the air quality has had a marked improvement. I heard that dolphins have started swimming in the channels of Venice because the restricted boat access has allowed the water ways to become clean. Not seeing as much news about natural disasters (or shootings) as well. Virus forecasts have gone as far out as Mid-summer-may help the environment sustain for a little longer. I have read about senators wanting to exclude auto manufacturers from the bail out unless they put a large percentage of the bail  out towards helping their employees and a percentage toward the development of vehicles that are not dependent on fuel derived from fossils.

[mardukblood2009]

There are always positive things no matter what. I am very happy for the dolphins. I hope people learn something from all of this. The odds of that is super low though.

[gtdoss]

Yes, I guess there is a silver lining to this all! Makes me wonder if there are some slight changes that can be made after the virus has passed that might at least hold on to a modicum of the environmental improvements. My husband said that he's willing to bet that the company he works for will keep on doing meetings online as opposed to sending employees on planes to attend meetings in person. 

[1imaginarygirl]

My husband and I went for a walk today through downtown. Our otherwise bustling city was almost a ghost town. I mentioned that when these pandemics happen every 25, 50, 100 years, I think it's Earth's way of ridding itself of its own virus (or parasite), which is us. Humans are parasites on this planet. We take what we can and destroy whatever is in the way. Now that so many people are staying home, the air is cleaner and  the water is clearer. But it's only temporary. I wish people would realize the destruction we cause. 

[timvolley]

it was cold here in Illinois for a walk but i do plan on doing this.

[dreamyxo]

Haven't noticed much of a difference but I come home from work and don't leave the house.

[singletonb]

I pray that this virus will go away soon or at least slow down the spread.  I am happy about the environmental issues that are improving but like some of the rest of you, I don't think it will last even though I am hopeful.

[seesawing]

This is an interesting topic to ponder.  No doubt, changes in our behaviors are being observed and will likely cause some to question why we've allowed some of the things we've been doing to go on.  Hopefully, these 'silver linings' will bring about new solutions or improvements that no one has given much thought to.  Maybe a few of these adjustments arising out of social distancing that work better for all of us will stick around?

I'm just viewing this situation from the position of the glass half full which would suggest an opportunity has been presented here.       

[wildpanda]

One thing that I've noticed since this all started is how much more noticeable the stars are at night. Less pollution means better stargazing!

[alice44]

I have also seen news items that reference the positive environmental effects of everyone staying home.  I hope this will show the naysayers that t here really is a problem.

[berthabutt]

    Good point and interesting topic!