Coronavirus crisis forces, a third of the planet is confined. Among the innumerable consequences linked to the measures taken by many countries of the world, some, sometimes unexpected, can be considered good news. Others, all just as new, are more surprising. Overview of this information.
The air of the big cities again breathable
The fall in air pollution already recorded in China has been confirmed in Europe. With the disappearance of road traffic, the concentration of nitrogen dioxide has decreased, especially in the major capitals. In Paris, however, it was necessary to wait for the help of the wind to remove the last fine particles accumulated, in particular due to agricultural work around the capital and the heating of individuals.
From there to imagine an inflection in global warming? No for Hans Bruyninckx, director of the European Environment Agency (EEA) who believes that "to achieve climate neutrality in Europe, it is necessary to continuously reduce emissions over a long period".
Animals come back
Some make their appearance where we did not expect them, like these ducks in front of the Comédie Française in Paris, goats in the gardens of a Welsh village, these wild boars in the streets of Barcelona, this puma in those of Santiago de Chile or even a Civet from Malabar, not observed since 1990, seen on a pedestrian crossing in India.
🐗 Wild boars in the streets of #Barcelona, a cougar lost in the streets of #Santiago in #Chile, and a family of ducks on the Paris ring road ... With #confinement, #animals regain ground in cities # Covid_19 #environment pic.twitter.com/VM0JFlqCrh
- FRANCE 24 French (@ France24_fr) March 30, 2020Other animals, on the contrary, simply regain possession of their natural element. Dolphins return to the coast in Sardinia or Nice. The fish find the canals of Venice. The agents of the Parc des Calanques are delighted by the unprecedented observation of many species that were previously too discreet. Finally, in cities, the song of birds is much more audible.
What effects of confinement on # marine biodiversity? The @ParcCalanques agents saw a lot of "life" during their last patrols: dolphins, puffins, gannets, tuna, herons ... The frequency and density of observations are unprecedented.
📸 © Lionel Laso pic.twitter.com/C3pWeWRoNJ
The confined develop their talents
Unable to leave their homes, many took advantage of the constraints of life related to confinement to speak their creativity. Numerous videos, sometimes funny, sometimes moving, relayed on social networks, have highlighted the talent of many Internet users such as these choreographies, these songs or parodies, these games between neighbors from a balcony. Real moments "made in confinement".
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Condom shortage looms
Malaysia, the world's largest producer of condoms, has shut down its factories for the past week due to the confinement of the population. It is therefore already 100 million condoms, compared to an ordinary week, which will be lacking on the market. Industry specialists fear a shortage for several months.
Internet overheating
In this period of confinement, the global network is stressed as never before. Telework, home lessons, intensive viewing of streaming videos: there are many opportunities to use the Net. To avoid saturation and not to risk a giant breakdown, some sites have taken the lead. Netflix or YouTube have therefore decided to no longer use HD videos.
Solidarity surges are increasing
This is an essential aspect in certain people where social relations are reduced to a minimum. Many solidarity initiatives have emerged throughout France. The City of Paris has created a platform to identify those in the capital. Actions between neighbors are increasing. In the deserted streets, the homeless sometimes also receive welcome help.
Sport changes terrain
Failing to practice jogging, provided with its derogatory certificate, many French people have taken a passion for home sports. Online tutorials have multiplied. But beware, these physical activities are not without danger. They must be practiced in a reasonable manner.