We live in a time of firsts. For what is likely the first time in all of our lives, we are being told to remain inside to prevent the spread of a highly infectious disease. While this is a very big issue, it is also helping people take a step back and realise what it really important., With healthy family members falling ill left and right, people are fixing their relationships and spending quality time with the people they love. In addition to these changes, COVID has significantly reduced the carbon footprint for 2020. As I wrote last month, we are seeing the skies begin to clear of smog, and dolphins to return to Venice.

For 2020, carbon emissions are already predicted to be down by 8% simply due to having people locked inside for most of the day. Just a couple weeks ago, we also saw oil futures go negative, meaning you can be paid to accept barrels of oil. This is all due to people using their vehicles less and less as places they would go to are shut down.

However, it is very unlikely that these changes will last long. In my own city, when the bans were lifted for a mere weekend, people were travelling all around and enjoying the great weather. At the end of this, people will still go to their favorite restaurants, stores, and workplaces with little regard for their impact. Nevertheless, I challenge you to keep the benefits of reducing your carbon footprint in your mind when this ban lifts, because after all, just like this virus, it only takes one person to create enormous change.