ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

1. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE COVID-19
PANDEMIC
1. Introduction
Since December 2019, the world has been affected by an infectious
disease caused by a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for a severe
respiratory syndrome known as COVID-19. In December 2019, a cluster of cases
was confirmed in Wuhan, China, rapidly spreading around the world, and the
outbreak turned into an epidemic. In January 2020, the WHO (World Health
Organization) confirmed the transmission of COVID-19 from person to person
through direct contact or droplets produced by coughing, sneezing and talking,
and declared a global public health emergency. In February 2020, outbreaks
began in countries around the world, the epidemic turned into a pandemic, and
by the end of March 2020, half of the world's population was under some form of
restriction.
The severity of the disease, together with its high contagion and the
absence of a safe and effective vaccine, led governments around the world to
take prevention and control measures in order to slow the spread of the infection,
flatten the curve epidemic, reduce the death rate and ease the burden on health
systems. In this sense, many countries were subjected to partial or total forced
blockades. Among the measures implemented, the movement of people was
restricted and social distance was established. Public transport, educational
institutes, commercial and cultural centers, parks and other points of social
interaction were closed; with the exception of those destined to essential
activities, health and emergency services. In addition, flights were canceled and
transportation was limited domestically and across international borders. At the

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same time, temporary treatment facilities for COVID-19 patients were created,
access to hospitals and visitor health centers was limited, mandatory quarantines
were implemented, and mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
was established by front-line workers and masks or face masks.
As countries closed, what began as a health crisis quickly turned into an
economic and social threat, with negative effects on the entire society. In this
study, we propose a general hypothesis that there is also a significant impact of
the COVID-19 pandemic on the environment in different contexts.
With public health being the top priority, along with closely monitoring
economic and social impacts, the implications of COVID-19 on the environment
remain largely underestimated. To this end, environmental health problems have
received less and less attention from government agencies, the scientific
community, and the general public. This can be seen by the withdrawal of various
national and state agreements on the use and consumption of plastics. Likewise,
publications in international journals on the COVID-19 pandemic have increased
in recent months, the number of studies in environmental sciences (<3%) is
considerably lower than in other fields, such as medicine and health (65% ). Of
those in environmental science, only about 20% addressed the effect of COVID-
19 disease on the environment. Consequently, studies that have explored the
influence of the COVID-19 crisis on the environment are limited. Thus, there is a
lack of information on the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on environmental
factors. Hence, there is room for further investigation of the possible impacts of
COVID-19 on the environment.
In these circumstances, this study aims to explore the positive and
negative environmental impacts linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, and propose
possible strategies as a future guideline for environmental sustainability.
2. Environmental effects of COVID-19
The global disruption caused by COVID-19 brought various effects on the
environment and climate. Due to movement restrictions and a significant
slowdown in economic and social activities, the COVID-19 pandemic appears to
be indirectly contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 (i.e.

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11, 12, 13, 15 SGD ) increasing the overall health and safety of cities reducing
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, outdoor air and water pollution, ambient noise
level, land pressure, and wildlife. However, it is failing to consider poor indoor air
quality, rising patterns of use and consumption of single-use plastics (including
PPE), and a modified priority on waste management - a behavior contrary to the
environmental sustainability (including green and circular economies).
While the positive impacts of COVID-19 on the environment are the result
of a "postponed" anthropogenic activity that will soon lead to after the pandemic
scenario. Short-term negative effects (most of which are related to the use and
consumption of plastic and poor waste management, as discussed below) will
soon add to current environmental problems, exacerbating their impact on natural
ecosystems and compromising possible mitigation / remediation measures.
2.1. Positive environmental effects
2.1.1. Reduction of air pollution and GHG emissions
As industries, transportation and businesses have shut down, it has
caused a sudden drop in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Air pollution levels
have been reduced by almost 50% due to measures taken to control the virus.
Almost 50% reduction of N2O and CO occurred due to the closure of heavy
industries. Furthermore, NO₂ emission is one of the key indicators of global
economic activities, indicating a sign of reduction in many countries due to
closure. NO 2 is typically emitted from the burning of fossil fuels, 80% of which
comes from the exhaust gases of motor vehicles. NO 2 causes acid rain with the
interaction of O 2 and H 2 O, and various respiratory diseases suffered by
humans.
Vehicles and aviation are assumed to be key contributors of emissions,
contributing nearly 72% and 11% of GHG emissions from the transport sector,
respectively. Measures taken globally to contain the virus are also having a
dramatic impact on the aviation sector. Many countries restricted the entry and
exit of international travelers. Due to decreased passengers and restrictions,
commercial airline companies are canceling flights around the world.

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In general, much lower consumption of fossil fuels reduces GHG
emissions, helping to combat global climate change. In addition, global coal
consumption is also reduced due to lower energy demand during the lockdown
period. It is also projected that the pandemic could reduce 1,600 metric tons of
CO 2, equivalent to more than 4% of the world total in 2019.
2.1.2. Reduction of water pollution.
Water pollution is a common phenomenon in many countries where
domestic and industrial wastes are dumped into rivers and streams without
treatment. During the lockdown period, major industrial sources of pollution have
been reduced or stopped altogether, helping to reduce the pollution burden. In
addition, due to the ban on public gatherings, the number of tourists and water
activities were reduced in many places. Due to the closure of COVID-19, aquatic
species reappeared and pollution decreased on many beaches, ultimately
reducing soil and water pollution. However, the amount of industrial water
consumption is also reduced, especially in the textile sector. Usually, a large
amount of solid waste is generated from the construction and manufacturing
process, responsible for the pollution of water and soil, also reduced. Similarly,
due to the reduction of the export and import business, the movement of
merchant ships and other vessels is reduced globally, which also reduces
emissions and marine pollution.
2.1.3. Reduction of noise pollution
Noise pollution is the high levels of sound, generated by different human
activities, that can cause adverse effects on humans and other living organisms.
In addition, anthropogenic noise pollution has adverse impacts on wildlife through
the changing balance in the detection and avoidance of predators and prey.
Unwanted noise also negatively affects invertebrates, which help control
environmental processes that are vital for the balance of the ecosystem.
However, lockdown and quarantine measures require people to stay at home and
reduce economic activities and communication around the world, ultimately
reducing the noise level in most cities. Furthermore, due to travel restrictions, the
number of flights and vehicle movements has been drastically reduced around
the world, which has finally reduced the level of noise pollution. In general, the

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blocking of COVID-19 and the decline in economic activities reduced noise
pollution around the world.
2.1.4. Ecological restoration and assimilation of tourist spots
In recent years, the tourism sector has seen remarkable growth due to
technological advances and transportation networks. The tourism industry is
estimated to be responsible for 8% of global GHG emissions. However, places of
natural beauty tend to attract tourists, and have a negative impact. A large
number of hotels, restaurants, bars and shops are built, which consume a lot of
energy and other natural resources. In addition, visitors dump various wastes that
harm natural beauty and create an ecological imbalance. Due to the COVID-19
outbreak and restrictions, the number of tourists has been reduced at tourist spots
around the world. As a result of the restriction, the color of the sea water is
changed, which generally remains cloudy due to swimming, bathing, playing
games, and riding motorized boats.
2.2. Negative environmental effects
2.2.1. Increase in the generation of hospital waste
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the generation of medical waste has
increased globally, posing a major threat to public health and the environment.
For the collection of samples from the suspected COVID-19 patients, diagnosis,
treatment of a large number of patients and the purpose of disinfection, a lot of
waste is generated in hospitals. Such a sudden increase in hospital waste and its
proper management has become a major challenge for local waste management
authorities. Likewise, waste generated in hospitals must be properly managed to
reduce further infections and environmental pollution.
2.2.2. Use of safety equipment and accidental disposal
To protect against viral infection, masks, gloves and other safety
equipment are used, which increase the amount of sanitary waste. The amount
of garbage has been increasing due to the increased use of PPE at the domestic
level. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the production and use of plastic-based PPE
has increased around the world. However, due to a lack of knowledge about

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infectious waste management, most people dump it in open places and, in some
cases, with household waste. This spill creates obstructions in waterways and
worsens environmental pollution. Masks and other plastic-based protective
equipment are the potential source of microplastic fibers in the environment.
Typically, polypropylene is used to make N-95 and Tyvek masks for protective
suits, gloves, and medical masks, which can persist for a long time and release
dioxins and toxic elements into the environment. However, experts and
authorities suggest proper disposal and segregation of household organic waste
and plastic-based protective equipment, but mixing these wastes increases the
risk of disease transmission and virus exposure for waste workers.
2.2.3. Generation of solid urban waste and reduction of recycling
The increased generation of municipal waste (both organic and inorganic)
has direct and indirect effects on the environment, such as air, water and soil
pollution. Due to the pandemic, policies in place in many countries have led to an
increase in demand for online shopping for home delivery, ultimately increasing
the amount of household waste from shipping packaging materials. However,
recycling waste is an effective way to prevent pollution, save energy, and
conserve natural resources. But, due to the pandemic, many countries postponed
waste recycling activities to reduce the transmission of viral infections. Due to the
disruption of municipal waste management, waste recovery and recycling
activities, landfills and environmental pollutants have increased worldwide.
2.2.4. Other effects on the environment
In order to exterminate the virus, a large number of disinfectants are used
on roads, commercial and residential areas. Overuse of disinfectants can kill
beneficial species, which can create an ecological imbalance. Furthermore, the
SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected in the feces of the COVID-19 patient and also
in municipal sewage in many countries. Therefore, additional measures in
wastewater treatment are essential, which is a challenge for developing
countries, where municipal wastewater is discharged untreated into water bodies
and rivers. Some countries have implemented the treatment process to prevent
the spread of the virus through wastewater, which implies a greater use of
chlorine, but it must be borne in mind that it can generate a harmful by-product.

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3. Possible strategies for environmental sustainability
Taking into account the fact that all these environmental impacts are short-
term, it is proposed to work on an efficient strategy to achieve long-term benefit,
with a view to sustainable environmental management. In the same way, that the
pandemic generated a global and joint response to confront the virus, we should
make a joint effort with the aim of protecting the environment. To this end, some
possible global environmental sustainability strategies are listed below:
 Sustainable industrialization: Industry is essential for economic
growth; however, we must think about sustainability. It is essential to switch
to industries that use less energy, use cleaner fuels and technologies, and
establish strong energy efficiency policies. Industries should be built in
specific areas, where it is taken into account that the waste from one can be
used as raw materials for the other. After a certain period, industrial zones
should be closed in a circular fashion to reduce emissions without hampering
the national economy.
 Use of public and green transport: To reduce emissions, it is
necessary to encourage people to use public transport, rather than private
vehicles. Also, the bicycle should be used for a short distance, and the public
bicycle system should be available for mass use.
 Use of renewable energy: The use of renewable energy can reduce
the demand for fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas, which can play
an important role in reducing GHG emissions. Therefore, the use of renewable
energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal heat, and
biomass can meet energy demand and reduce GHG emission.
 Treatment and reuse of wastewater: To avoid contamination of
water flows, industrial and municipal wastewater must be adequately treated
before being discharged into rivers and streams. Additionally, reusing treated
wastewater in non-productive processes such as flushing toilets and cleaning
roads can reduce excessive water consumption.
 Recycling and reuse of waste: To reduce the waste load and
environmental pollution, both industrial and municipal waste should be

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recycled and reused. Therefore, circular economy systems should be
implemented in the production process to minimize the use of raw materials
and the generation of waste. In addition, infectious and hazardous medical
waste should be properly managed by following the guidelines. Likewise, the
government can implement a wide awareness campaign through different
media, regarding the proper methods of segregation, handling and disposal
of waste.
 Ecological restoration and ecotourism: For ecological restoration,
tourist places should periodically close after a certain period. In addition, the
practice of ecotourism should be strengthened to promote sustainable
livelihoods, cultural preservation and conservation of biodiversity.
 Behavior change in daily life: To reduce the carbon footprint and
global carbon emission, it is necessary to change the behavior in our daily life
and optimize the consumption of resources.
 International cooperation: To meet sustainable environmental goals
and protect the world's environmental resources, a combined international
effort is essential. Therefore, a responsible international authority such as the
United Nations Environment Program (UN Environment) must take an
effective role in preparing time-oriented policies, organizing international
conventions and coordinating world leaders for proper implementation
4. Conclusion
It has been observed that the amount of pollution in the air, water, soil and
noise showed a significant decrease during the pandemic. Global air quality
improved due to reduced anthropogenic emissions of air pollutants and air
particles. Aquatic ecosystems also showed signs of recovery in many countries.
Less commercial fishing internationally resulted in the restoration of some aquatic
life. Additionally, the slight reduction in solid waste and water led to less soil
contamination, with the exception of hospital waste or waste generated due to
the pandemic. Some places experienced cleaner beaches and ocean water,
while wildlife sightings in urban areas around the world occurred more frequently.
Finally, the closure of the COVID-19 pandemic also caused a worldwide decrease

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in noise pollution. However, the beneficial environmental effects will not be
permanent as the world gradually returns to its pre-pandemic status quo.
COVID-19 is a global pandemic and a serious threat to human health that
stops economic and social activities, however, pollution in general terms is
reduced and nature recovers. This positive impact on the environment may be
temporary, but governments and society should learn to reduce pollution in the
long term. Therefore, behavioral changes, such as adopting a lifestyle that
reduces your carbon footprint, are necessary to have a positive impact on the
environment. In addition, world leaders should consider the national policy
changes necessary to ensure the continuity of as many positive environmental
impacts from the closure of the COVID-19 pandemic as possible.
Global environmental change is mainly due to human behavior and is a
major threat to sustainability. Despite all the health and economic consequences,
the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on environmental health
deserves the attention of the community. Directly or indirectly, the pandemic is
affecting human life and the global economy, which is ultimately affecting the
environment and climate. It reminds us of how we have neglected environmental
components and reinforced human-induced climate change. Furthermore, the
global response to COVID-19 also teaches us to work together to combat the
threat to humanity. Although COVID-19's impacts on the environment are short-
term, a united and proposed time-oriented effort can strengthen environmental
sustainability and save the earth from the effects of global climate change.
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