AS MANY Filipinos are still trying to come into terms with the new norm brought about by coronavirus disease (COVID-19) which is “lockdown,” there are a number of reasons that this move has proved beneficial to planet Earth.
Over Luzon, the once smog-filled air is clear and sunny and streets are visibly clean. Thanks to “lockdown” the air quality has reportedly improved by more than 50 percent, said Undersecretary Benny D. Antiporda. “From the formerly fair to unhealthy air quality, it became fair to good,” said USec Antiporda.
In Iloilo City, the almost deserted streets, closed shops, and malls have also resulted to clean air. Indeed, without the usual rush of vehicles, city streets incurred less smoke emissions and less population density have resulted to less garbage, too.
“This COVID-19 had positive effects on our planet; air quality is now improved due to lesser vehicles plying the streets. Probably, we have improved water quality as well. Since the lockdown was implemented, hotels have less clients and restaurants and malls are closed thereby less wastewater to discharge,” said DENR 6 regional executive director Francisco E. Milla, Jr.
“We also learn one very valuable lesson because of this COVID: good sanitation. Now we are all conscious about our hygiene – frequent hand washing and use of alcohol. But not only that, I am appealing to one and all to learn managing their wastes. For those who are already practicing waste segregation, composting and recycling, please continue your efforts. Nothing beats a clean environment for our own sake,” Milla added.
The whole planet has literally taken a “pause” from all the pollution it usually breathes in from anthropogenic or human activities. Drastic decreases in air pollution over China during the two weeks in February when the lockdown was implemented were observed by NASA and the European Space Agency. The satellite measured concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, a gaseous air pollutant released by cars, power plants and industrial facilities.
This new pandemic have surprisingly supported DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu’s thrust on clean air and clean water, with people becoming more aware of the importance of a clean environment.(DENR 6/PN)
