Charleston: Return of the Blue Sky on Earth Day
“Did you notice any of the stories about the return of the blue sky? There were not that many of them and they were usually tucked away behind other news reports that seemed much more critical. But they were there: the return of clear skies above cities like Los Angeles, something that has not been seen for generations. As the traffic level declined the pollution declined and the clear sky appeared like a sign from heaven. It is a visual aid to show us that on the other side of COVID-19 positive change is possible. Not just for the environment but for our whole society. The blue skies can return for us in so many ways, if we will have the courage to change.” —Bishop Steven Charleston Facebook Page
Los Angeles Ted Soqui./Sipa NBC
Bishop Charleston on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day reminds us that trying to stop this pandemic has given our planet a rest. Pollution and greenhouse emissions have fallen across the world. India's capital of New Delhi is one of the world's most polluted cities. But its skies are now blue, and many people can see the Himalaya Mountains for the first time. Beirut, Lebanon, known for its pollution, as well, now has clear skies. Researcher have found a 5 to 10% decrease in air pollutants such as carbon dioxide in New York. Carbon monoxide emissions have dropped 50%. The change has been created by grounding of flights, reduction in cars on the road, and shutting down businesses and factories. Some have predicted that we may reach the Paris Climate Accord goals even sooner. In Venice canal water is so clear that fish can be easily seen. This may be because there are no boats and people in its waters.
But environmentalists warn all this could be temporary. Will we eventually return to the life style we had before? All of this, of course, has been at great expense—the death of over 42,000 today in our own country and over 170,000 worldwide. We can only guess what it will be tomorrow.
Bishop Charleston tells us to give thanks for the blue sky, honor its presence, imagine ways to keep the skies blue, but also never forget the cost in lives of so many who died. There must be another way to save our planet that is not so costly.
Joanna. Joannaseibert.com