“Coyotes roaming the streets of Chicago…Sea turtles nesting in beaches for the first time in years…The majestic snowcap peaks of the Himalayas were revealed to the people of Jalandhar more than 120 miles away,” this video by NBC reports.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed not only the lives of people, but of animals as well. Since quarantine has started, there have been many positive effects for the environment. With factories temporarily shutting down and fewer people transporting via cars or buses, fewer greenhouse gases have been released into the air. According to NBC news, Los Angeles, a city usually teeming with vehicle activity, was reported to have the cleanest air in the planet since quarantine began. In addition to the improved air quality and reduced energy consumption, there has been less foot traffic and litter on the ground with many staying home during the pandemic.
Although these are all positive changes to the environment, climatologists say this is only temporary. The gas emissions are predicted to decrease by 5% this year, but in order for there to be permanent improvements, they need to be going down by 8% annually. Scientists are now looking for methods to make these changes permanent, and are exploring ideas such as switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy. However, there have been even more negative effects that tag along with the pandemic. As the government focuses all of its attention on stabilizing the economy, its resources have diverted from the global fight to save endangered species. Additionally, lockdowns in certain areas have temporarily stopped eco-tourism (a form of tourism that practices sustainable travelling) that funds environmental projects.
Biologist Carlos Ruiz shared his experience with saving golden lion tamarins, explaining that his team members have been quarantined and the parks where the tamarins reside have been closed by the government. These setbacks are preventing him from reaching the tamarins’ habitat and continuing his efforts to protect their species.
There are questions arising about whether or not we have missed the “window of opportunity” in the fight to save these animals. I believe that it is impossible to tell right now, but there is definitely a silver lining that can be found within the pandemic. For example, if the news is spread about the incredible environmental changes that have come from quarantine, people will actually see and not just imagine how their actions can make a large impact. We have learned how to adjust to this style of living, so there is a chance that we can keep up with some of these adjustments even after the pandemic is over. Continue making food, exercising, or working at home (if your job allows it) to save the trip there and back! As for the golden lion tamarins, donate here to help the efforts to conserve the species. Teams like George Ruiz’s could definitely use the donations to get back into action once parks are open again!