Good News Worth Sharing: Venice Canal Has Turned Blue Again, Air Pollution Is Falling And Fish Are Returning To Waterways

The lockdown caused by coronavirus has had an unprecedented impact on the environment, with Venice’s waterways clear blue and filled with dolphins. What’s more, air pollution and CO2 have dropped significantly in New York, China and Italy as the global economy slows activity.

The positive environmental news has trickled in in waves. First, it was reported that hundreds of canals in La Serenissima, in Venice, had beautiful clear blue water as motorboat taxis, transport and tourist boats emptied out of the system.

‘The water is blue and clear,’ Gloria Beggiato, owner of the Metropole Hotel outside St Mark’s square told the Guardian. ‘It is calm like a pond, because there are no more waves caused by motorised boats transporting day-tripper tourists. And of course, the giant cruise ships have disappeared.’

Soon after, it was reported that dolphins had returned to Venice waterways with videos shared on social media.

Studies on air pollution have also offered positive takeaways, with researchers from New York telling the BBC that early results have seen carbon monoxide fall by nearly 50% compared with last year – mainly from cars. CO2 emissions have also dropped hugely, with scientists expecting that in May, levels will be their lowest since the financial crisis more than a decade ago. Typically at that time of year, emissions are at their highest because of the decomposition of leaves as we move from spring to summer.

And in China, research from climate crisis website Carbon Brief found that there had been a 25% drop in energy use and emissions over two weeks. They expect it to lead to a 1% fall in China’s overall carbon emissions this year. Northern Italy too has seen significant drops in nitrogen dioxide – as has China – because of the lack of industrial activity. According to experts, the gas is a serious warming chemical.

As the UK continues to practise social distancing and travel grinds to a halt as much as possible, it’s expected we too will see a fall in pollution and emissions. For now, the improvements to the environment are at least one positive takeaway from the vital need to stay away from each other.

In response to an overwhelming news cycle, Grazia will collate good news stories from all corners of the internet to give our readers (and ourselves!) a break from the constant barrage of worrying news.

We can’t hide from what’s happening, in fact we’ll still be covering the news on site and social and staying informed about the latest developments, but our Good News Worth Sharing series will be a safe haven and a place to spread some positivity.

Check out more Good News Worth Sharing here...