Climate Change and COVID-19

Sydney Hallowell ’25

Natalie Poole ’25

The years of social distancing and quarantine can be painful to remember for many. However, while society is suffering under the impacts of COVID-19, nature has seemingly been free of human disturbance, and climate change may have shown signs of reversal. To figure out the case, we can start by exploring the current data on climate change.

Under the influence of travel restrictions, NASA found that “the 5.4% drop in emissions [CO2 ] was significant”. Nevertheless, NASA also reported that “the growth in atmospheric concentrations was within the normal range of year-to-year variation caused by natural processes” (Carol Rasmussen, 2021). Even with a decrease in carbon dioxide production, our atmosphere still showcased the predicted concentration of carbon dioxide, with the drop in emissions showing no effect. 

The primary causes of climate change include greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, agriculture, and fossil fuels. With COVID-19 restrictions implemented, factors such as transportation have shown a decrease in environmental impact. Despite this, NASA noted that “reducing activity in these industrial and residential sectors is not practical in the short term.” Rather, low-carbon emitting technology would be essential for permanent developments with climate change. Not only have the halt in some of these areas shown no remorse for the environment, but polluters may cause more damage in the next couple of years (Gardiner, 2020). Even amid the pandemic, many industries have been “scrambling for advantage,” exacerbating the impacts of climate change and harming the environment in future years. 

Ultimately, a short-term change in human behavior does not address long-term climate issues. Instead, we must change our habits in the long run to make a significant impact on saving the environment. While the climate has shown signs of progress in the past few years due to the pandemic, we must make permanent changes to continue the path to a better environment.

References

Rasmussen, B. N. J. P. L. (2021, November 10). Emission Reductions From Pandemic Had Unexpected Effects on

Atmosphere. Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet. https://climate.nasa.gov/news/3129/emission-reductions-from-pandemic-had-unepected-effects-on-atmosphere/ 

Gardiner, B. (2020, June 18). Why COVID-19 will end up harming the environment. Science; National Geographic.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/why-covid-19-will-end-up-harming-the-environment