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COVID-19 and its Environmental Impacts

COVID-19 and its Environmental Impacts

As more and more people are vaccinated and as restrictions loosen up, many are asking the question- How do we return to normalcy? We must consider not only the social and economic impacts of Covid-19, but also its environmental impacts. Last year, global emissions faced a historic drop. However, this drop is insufficient to reduce the impacts of global emissions if unsustained.

According to the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change, in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, the world would need to sustain similar levels of emission reductions for every year for the next decade.

2020, while also being the hottest year on record according to NASA, also featured extreme wildfires in the west coast and a record breaking hurricane season- and these are only the major natural disasters in the United States.

To limit further harm to our environment, which would ultimately also hurt us, we must consider how to responsibly move forward. Get involved by learning what each of us can do.

Some helpful links are listed below:

5 Ways You Can Take Climate Action | UNFCCC

Tools and Resources for Sustainable Communities | Smart Growth | US EPA

Learn About Sustainability | Sustainability | US EPA

Greening EPA | US EPA

EPA’s Report on the Environment (ROE) | US EPA

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