Effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Environment and Proposals for Sustainable Strategies

Abstract

The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) first occurred in late December 2019 at the Hunan Seafood Market in Wuhan, China, and was declared an international public health emergency in a matter of weeks by the World Health Organization. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) affects every area of human life, including the environment. Measures are taken to control the spread of the virus and the slowdown in economic activities have significant positive effects on the environment. Through this study, the authors intend to track the impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the environment by analyzing the available scientific literature. The study indicates that the pandemic situation significantly improves air quality in various cities around the world, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, reduces water pollution and noise, and reduces pressure on tourist destinations, which can help restore ecological systems. It is noted that there are some negative consequences of the pandemic, such as the increase in medical waste through the use and disposal of disinfectants, masks, and gloves but also the burden of untreated waste that endangers the environment continuously. It seems that shortly after the pandemic the economic activities will return and the situation could change. Therefore, this study highlights the potential positive impacts of the pandemic on the environment in the long term. It is expected that the correct implementation of the proposed strategies can be useful for the global sustainability of the environment.