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“One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between man and nature shall not be broken.” It is right from what we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink and the climate that makes our planet habitable which without any second thought comes from nature. Like every year, marine plants produce more than half of our atmosphere's oxygen and trees clean the air by absorbing 22 kilos of carbon dioxide, in lieu of releasing oxygen. We are indeed showered with all the blessings from nature, but we still mistreat it. Which is why we need observance and work something out for her betterment.

Some facts to ponder on:

1. We consume more than 80 trillion aluminium cans each year. However, recycling just one of them can save enough energy to run a TV for approximately 3 hours.

2. 14% of global carbon emissions are caused due to food waste. By reducing this wastage, we can surely help our environment.

3. It is predicted that by the year 2050, humans will need 3 planets to sustain themselves, with the current rate of population growth and consumption.

4. Deforestation is a serious thing! 27,000 trees are being cut down on an average each day to make toilet paper. If we look at the rainforests, they are being cut down at a rate of 100 acres every minute.

5. We can save nearly 75,000 trees if we start recycling paper used on a daily basis. Going paperless can make the earth safeguard itself to a great extent.

6. When we throw plastic bags and any other plastic material in the ocean/sea, it kills as many as 1 million sea creatures round the year.

7. Approximately 50,000 species inhabiting the tropical forests become extinct every year, with an average of 137 species a day.

8. A glass bottle takes more than 4,000 years to decompose from the time its been made.

Since 1974, the World Environment Day is being celebrated every year on June 5. This includes engaging the government, businesses, celebrities/stars, influencers as well as citizens to channelise their endeavours on pressing environmental issues. For this, there are various activities conducted – from street rallies, parades, concerts to tree planting and cleaning-up campaigns. In the year 2020, mankind has suffered beyond words – beginning with the global pandemic hitting us hard followed by a one of a kind locust plague, floods, cyclones and what not. This is alarming enough to warn us that its high time we stop taking the environment for granted. 

The changes which took place due to COVID-19 with a major shift and impact on the environment include: 

Quality of water

With no boats and ships sailing in water bodies and other activities, the water has turned cleaner than ever. So much so that at certain places in the world, fishes, dolphins and swans even returned to canals and marine life has been developing like never before. 

Impact on wildlife

Animals could finally take a breath of fresh air with no human intervention. As a result, the air became clear leading fauna showing up on roads, airports, in towns, etc. This was beneficial for the fish and turtle population too as it helped them breed further. 

Effect on vegetation

Now, when there had been such a sigh of relief for nature, flora is also growing better owing to cleaner air and water, and most importantly due to no human interference. With everything at a standstill, plants are getting a chance to grow and produce more oxygen, in turn creating more livable conditions.  

This pandemic has indeed been brutal for us in many ways but has also taught us a big lesson that nothing should be taken for granted! With the positive impact on the environment due to the lockdown, there is still a fear that once people shift their gears back to regular life, all the positive impact might disappear. However, it is on every individual that he/she behaves responsibly going forth, which means adopting ways that put less pressure on the environment and – avoid wastage of any kind, plant more trees, say no to littering, boycott plastic and other toxic materials, indulge in organic farming, etc. This way, everyone can definitely bring a change to create a positive effect globally.