With almost 6,000 deaths caused by the pandemic, coronavirus—people, businesses, entire countries are on lockdown to stop the spread of the disease.

With so many people in a panic, it seems the virus that has already taken the world is a virus of fear. But is there a silver lining resulting from this global pause?

Let’s look at where the virus began.

Asia is home to just under 60% of the global population and is notorious for horrific air quality. The World Health Organisation estimates 7 million deaths worldwide per year from air pollution with over two-thirds of these deaths in Asia. Of these 7 million air pollution deaths, 4.2 million result from outdoor pollution -- from the mix of factories, traffic, and deforestation due to quick urbanization.

With the current global pause on manufacturing and travel, China’s greenhouse gas emissions dropped dramatically overnight. The sky is blue, the streets are empty, and whilst there is a significant increase in single-use face masks and hand sanitizer—the consumption of frivolous items seems to be on pause.

Nasa satellite images show decline as industrial activity slows in effort to limit coronavirus.

With complete compassion for victims and those at high-risk, is it insensitive to wonder if this the virus that the climate needs? We are seeing how effective immediate government action can be for the environment. An abrupt shutoff of factories. An unspoken travel ban. A pause on shopping for anything but what we truly need.

This is certainly what the scientists and climate activists have been calling for. And for the exact same reason, to protect human lives.

Our consumption of goods fuels industry which is predominantly powered by dirty fossil fuels in Asian countries and the resulting air pollution takes millions of human lives and is altering our climate to life-threatening temperatures. We are calling for immediate action to prevent more climate-related deaths, and as coronavirus shuts down the planet, we are seeing how healthy taking a pause on our fast-paced lives is for this taxed planet of ours.

Many of the planet’s megacities exceed World Health Organisation’s guideline levels for air quality by more than FIVE TIMES. Whether you live in Los Angeles or Beijing, you’ve seen the smog hovering on your city, perhaps you’ve felt it in your lungs or on your skin, and certainly, you would have noticed the difference when you arrive at a natural place with clean air.

We are worried about this disease because all are at risk, in particular, the older generation. Who, with all due respect, hold the majority of the power to make or break laws. Laws that can prevent the spread of disease that threatens global health and also laws that can prevent industry from polluting the planet which threatens global health.

Who are most at risk for the negative health impacts resulting from a polluted, warming planet? Children – in particular, children living in poor countries – are among the most vulnerable to the resulting health risks and will be exposed longer to the health consequences. The health effects are also expected to be more severe for elderly people and people with infirmities or pre-existing medical conditions.

Disposable plastic face masks are not new to citizens of China.

We are all stuck at home to avoid putting ourselves or others at risk. Let’s take advantage of being on our devices. Share this incredible result of this worldwide pause on the air quality and reduction of emissions. Write letters to your politicians showing how quickly the environment bounces back and how urgent political action could benefit global health immensely. Search to see if there are climate acts you can support for your local and federal levels. Spread some good news and don’t let the trolls or haters get to you.

Here are some key facts from the World Health Organisation regarding Climate Change and Health for when we are discussing these important global issues.

Climate change affects the social and environmental determinants of health – clean air, safe drinking water, sufficient food and secure shelter.
Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250 000 additional deaths per year, from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress.
The direct damage costs to health (i.e. excluding costs in health-determining sectors such as agriculture and water and sanitation), is estimated to be between USD 2-4 billion/year by 2030.
Areas with weak health infrastructure – mostly in developing countries – will be the least able to cope without assistance to prepare and respond.
Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases through better transport, food and energy-use choices can result in improved health, particularly through reduced air pollution.

Take care of yourself. Be a good community member. Offer to run errands for elders. Wash your hands. Keep it simple—shop less, stay local, spread good vibes.

Corona Virus Good for the Climate?