What The Coronavirus is Teaching Us About The Climate Crisis

For almost two decades, scientists have been warning us that the climate crisis is an existential threat to mankind and we need to drastically change the way we live and travel. With most regions of the world on some form of a lock down, people from all over are finally seeing their direct impact on climate pollution. Dolphins are swimming in Italy’s canals again, the Himalayas can be seen from parts of India, and satellite images showed a significant reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels.

Covid-19 and the Environment

The Coronavirus pandemic has transformed the way the entire world operates within just a matter of weeks. Social distancing and remote work are resulting in fewer cars being driven every day and cruises and airlines are almost at a complete standstill. Pollution and greenhouse gas emissions have dropped on almost every continent as countries try to contain the spread of the virus. Now the world is wondering, will this be the catalyst for new policies to reverse the climate crisis?

Long Term Changes That Can Reverse the Climate Crisis

Reducing climate pollution will save countless lives every year. Poor air quality from places like Los Angeles to Beijing leads to health issues such as asthma and other lung diseases. Rapid changes in weather have caused a rise in severe hurricanes along our coasts destroying thousands of homes each year. Scientists have given the world a roadmap to turn this around. Some of the major things countries can do to improve the climate include:

  • Switching to hybrid and electric transportation – cars, buses, trains etc.
  • Move away from fossil fuels
  • Using wind turbines and solar energy
  • Tropical forest restoration
  • Improving infrastructure to make cities more walk-able

To have the biggest impact, every country would need to participate in these changes. From governments creating laws like carbon taxes to the private sector making electric vehicles more affordable. The good news is that there are a lot of ways that individuals can make a difference at home.

How to do Our Part at Home

Every step we take as individuals, no matter how seemingly small, can have a lasting impact on the environment. These are some of the things we can change at home to do our part in the fight against the climate crisis:

  • Switching to a plant-rich diet
  • Walking or bicycling more and using cars less
  • Carpooling
  • Reducing food waste
  • Use energy wisely, shut off lights and electronics when not in a room
  • Change to energy-efficient light bulbs
  • Use cold water in the washing machine
  • Bring reusable bags to the grocery store instead of using plastic bags
  • Use reusable water bottles and beeswax wraps instead of zip-lock bags
  • Recycle
  • Look for energy-star when buying new appliances

If there’s any positive takeaway from the rapid shutdowns and change in our lives, it’s that we come together to move towards green, sustainable ways of living. At Solara, we’re doing our part by providing net-zero living apartments. Our goal is to show people that it is possible to build a green community without sacrificing luxury or comfort. We hope our project is an inspiration for other developers to embrace energy-efficient developments.