Ironically, everyone has noticed that the Earth is literally healing amid the pandemic. Obviously, human activities have been the problem as to why the environment’s condition is getting worse each day. Cutting down most of these activities and limiting the actions of humans surely made a big impact on it.
Manila Skyline and Mt. Samat Shrine: Clear Skies
Before all of this happened, we are used to seeing the metro being filled with haze and smog all day long but this is no longer the case anymore. On two separate days, GMA News posted photos featuring a clear skyline. The first post which was taken from the GMA Network Building in Quezon City shows that the Mt. Samat National Shrine in Bataan was visible even at such a distance. In another post, it is the other way around in which the whole skyline of Metro Manila can be seen from Bataan. These are all because of the decrease of air pollutants from cars, factories, and planes. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10158562994791977&id=116724526976
Ozone Layer: Patched Up
Subsequently, the big hole on the ozone layer was reported to be decreasing in size. Ozone layer depletion has always been a very alarming issue to everyone since the ozone layer plays a big part in the survival of all life. “The ozone layer is continuing to heal and has the potential to fully recover, according to a new study,” as reported by The Independent on March 27, 2020. It was said that international treaties that aim to control pollutants should be credited for preventing the ozone hole from worsening.
Manila Bay: Just Pretty on the Outside
A lot of netizens rejoiced and marveled over the beautiful turquoise color of the Manila Bay Coast.To make things clear, this was not actually a good news since pollution is the main reason for this. The Philippine Coast Guard suspected that it was due to pollutants according to a tweet by Chino Gaston. In an article by SPOT.ph, it was said that this phenomenon was due to high water turbidity and high water pollution.
According to an article published on March 30, 2020 by Forbes, the Earth’s healing process happened even before lockdowns were imposed. This is because it is impossible to see the results just a few days after. The whole set-up we are experiencing right now just made the changes easier to see and to identify.
Nevertheless, the lockdowns are definitely saving the environment. What is happening is a good gradual change and it requires us to be consistent to prevent the same things from happening again.
Author
Sophia Orlanes
Features editor
HiLites ASHS 