8 Photos That Show Nature Rebounding During Coronavirus

As the novel coronavirus pandemic rages across the globe, at least one-third of the world’s population is under some sort of stay-at-home order. The limited outside activity has resulted in detrimental losses in the global economy, but without human touch, the natural world has been thriving. While these improvements will unfortunately not last as people revert back to their normal habits, the environmental improvements have been eye-opening to how much responsibility humans have in damaging our planet. Here are eight photos that show just how nature is healing itself in the midst of coronavirus.

Less trafficked canals in Venice

The country-wide lockdown of Italy due to the pandemic has drastically decreased boat traffic in Venice’s historical waterways that are usually congested with gondolas, water taxis, and cruise ships. Residents are beginning to see fish, seaweed, and swans in the newly cleared canals.

White sand and blue waters in Miami

Now that the heavily visited beaches in Miami, Florida, are closed to beachgoers, the sand is cleaner, and the water is clearer. “It was special, definitely something that felt unbelievable,” Mark Ruiz, who was filming a marketing video on the beach, told WLPG. “I felt like I was in a movie. The ocean was crystal clear, neon blue; you could see right through the bottom of the ocean. I’ve never seen the water that blue in the years that we’ve been filming in South Florida.”

A vacant 7th Avenue in Manhattan

Due to a stay-at-home order, it’s no surprise the normally overcrowded streets of Manhattan have cleared out, decreasing pollution in the bustling city. Carbon Monoxide emissions have decreased by nearly 50 percent because of less car traffic. Learn the difference between climate change and global warming, because while the two are related, they are definitely not synonymous.

Empty streets in Istanbul

An aerial view of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge that connects Europe and Asia, which is usually packed with cars traveling in and out of the city, but is empty because of restrictions in 31 provinces to slow the spread of coronavirus.

A defined Los Angeles skyline

A characteristically smoggy skyline obscured by air pollution has cleared up over downtown Los Angeles with a stay-at-home order in place due to the coronavirus pandemic. Nitrogen levels have dropped significantly in the city clearing up the air of pollutants. Don’t miss the little tasks you can do each day to help the environment.

Clear skies in Nepal

Kathmandu in Nepal is notably one of the most polluted cities in the world. By the sixth day of the nationwide coronavirus lockdown, the restrictions decreased air pollution in Kathmandu Valley so much that the Langtang Mountain range of the Himalayas is now detectable from the city. It has been over 30 years since the mountains have been visible from the city over 100 miles away.

Crisp air in New Delhi

The iconic India Gate war memorial in New Delhi is now closed for visitors during the nationwide lockdown. The monument that is typically covered with smog is now clearly visible due to the improved air quality of the city.

A rainbow in China

While rainbows and coronavirus are mutually exclusive, this beautiful rainbow appeared at Hukou Waterfall Scenic Spot on the Yellow River in China giving the people a glimpse of hope in a seemingly hopeless world. Next, check out what animals have been up to while humans remain at home.