The 'New' Normal
By: Dominique Dillard
Most of us already know that bad things are happening in our world. However, when we were all quarantined nature started to change for the better:
- Carbon and nitrogen emissions dropped by almost 70%.
- Air quality has greatly improved.
- The Himalayas have been seen by locals for the first time in 30 years.
- Beach restrictions in Thailand have caused the endangered leatherback sea turtles to have a baby boom (11 nests).
- The canals in Venice have become clear for the first time in years!
There is so much great stuff happening. The problem is bad things are still continuing to occur:
- In Africa poaching has increased because of fewer authorities.
- High levels of plastic are still getting into waterways.
- Oil spills in the Coca and Napo Rivers are making it hard for people to reach clean water during the pandemic.
- Amazon deforestation is moving at an accelerated rate because of all the stay at home orders.
- Over 2o million people have lost their jobs.
When you say you want things to go back to normal the aforementioned is considered normal. We only have one planet and if we continue with our deadly habits the events could be catastrophic. Instead of wanting normal, want change. Look for petitions or organizations that help prevent climate change, deforestation, and world hunger. Some people estimate that if everyone in the world donated $1 we'd be able to end world hunger. If everyone donated an extra dollar the ocean could someday be free of plastic. You might say there is nothing I can do or I'm just one person, but that's the beauty of it. We are all just one person, on one planet. It takes only one person to rise up and change. "The world is a wheel. When we rise or fall we do it together." Cassandra Clare.