The Post-pandemic Impact on Nature and the Need for Sustainable Recovery Strategies

Abstract

Covid-19 pandemic is not only threatening public health, it also caused major decline in several other sectors when most countries in the world taking stringent containment measures to flatten the infection curve. But, it also led to the reduction in water and air pollutions that gives advantage to the environment. Since the transportation and industrial activities reduced dramatically, the emission of greenhouse gasses significantly reduced at the lowest rate. It allows the quality of air in the main cities getting better, while the natural environment could recover slowly. In addition, some animals are observed to get their natural life back and the environment including wildlife is having a recovery period and enjoyable time during this moment. However, it might not last very long, since another issue arise affecting environment again. The plastic pollution is reported to increase due to littered disposable mask and glove to the streets, escalators, drains, rivers, beaches and ocean. Littered surgical masks and medical gloves are clogging major waterways. At the same time, marine mammals such as seabirds and turtles are at risk of severe injuries and death as they mistakenly see the bright colours of latex gloves and masks as food to consume. Besides, the lockdown has almost negligible effect to climate crisis according to the recent studies since it has little impact to overall CO₂ concentration in the atmosphere. At the meantime, rebound effect is expected to occur more significantly months after the lockdown order is lifted especially with large government investment to promote a rapid return to economic recovery. Therefore, while we are fighting the pandemic for the good of all people and the country, we should also put environmental care into our consideration. Islam teaches us several principles related to environment protection that comprise of the concept of guardianship on earth, preservation of environment, the mercy and manner towards animals and environment, recognition to other creatures and their contribution to humans, including a reminder from God to keep ecological sustainability through the concept of balance. The lesson from Islamic teachings is necessary especially during this recovery period from the pandemic. This chapter ended with list of policy recommendation on how to properly reset, restore and recover a nation in the post-lockdown period without the expense of environment.