Coronavirus and Conservation: Environmental Repercussions of the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT

The history of pandemic diseases provides a cautionary tale about the vulnerability of human populations to environmental threats. Many have interpreted our current pandemic as evidence of increasing disruption to natural ecosystems and the havoc this can cause as humans are exposed to new pathogens. An initial focus on a Chinese market as the source of the virus turned attention to human interactions with wildlife, and many hope that the pandemic may provide a turning point if the threat of disease stimulates a renewed interest in the conservation of species and wild places. Additionally, declining air pollution and renewed animal activity in human spaces during lockdown emboldened many to push for further environmental measures to be put in place via a green approach to rebuilding economies. On the other hand, global recession will likely limit funding and willingness to invest in conservation measures, potentially signaling a significant retreat from current environmental efforts. Furthermore, problems with solid waste disposal highlight significant environmental challenges associated with the pandemic. Whether short-term environmental improvements associated with the pandemic can be translated into longer-term environmental gains will prove critical to both environmental and public health futures. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.