Letters | As coronavirus lockdowns help heal the Earth, can humanity create a greener, kinder future?

It has only been a few months since the Covid-19 outbreak first caught our attention. Yet, in this short span of time, this invisible coronavirus has turned the world upside down. Almost every major city in the world has since been locked down to some degree, the global economy has stalled, and local and international events have been cancelled.

But while we humans are busy navigating this uncharted territory, our planet seems to be heaving a sigh of relief. During the past months of lockdown, major cities that suffered from the world’s worst air pollution have seen large improvements in air quality. A study has also shown that polluted air could be linked to higher Covid-19 death rates.

Meanwhile, animals around the world have been taking advantage of empty cities and calm waters, and starting to venture into new territory. However, those in captivity in zoos are facing starvation due to a lack of visitor income. Some private zoos were even discussing feeding animals to each other as a last resort.

Humans have been driving many species to extinction; maybe this is the Earth’s warning to us – that nature can also drive humans to extinction. Do we really need zoos? How would we feel if animals put us in cages to educate their young about the human species?

This crisis has been bringing out the best and worst in individuals, and exposed the strengths and weakness of all systems and cultures. To minimise the chance of a similar crisis in the future, besides policies and health care systems, each and every one of us must do our part on a daily basis – reflect on and make fundamental changes to how our communities move forward.