Our lives have been shutting down: travel bans, stay at home orders, widespread closures. Overnight, the world came to a screeching halt and our “normal” lives became distant. We are living through tragedy. However, one of few positive impacts of a global pandemic may be a greener way of living. As our lives are virtual and school, work, conferences, concerts, and more are viewed from our couches, people don’t need to travel. Thus, there are fewer cars, buses, and planes emitting greenhouse gases.
Generally, emissions from transportation - the largest contributor to greenhouse gas production in the U.S. - have accounted for roughly 14% of total carbon emissions. Although the most recent data about emissions is not available as scientists are no longer able to conduct significant field work, it is clear that emptier streets and airports have a positive impact on emissions. As people become more accustomed to telecommuting and traveling less, there is hope that some of these habits will stick even after stay at home orders are lifted. Globally, we are being forced to learn how to communicate better digitally. Without the pandemic, some people may have never or rarely used platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, but now they are essential for many people’s jobs and to remain connected with loved ones. What once seemed foreign is now part of daily life; it may remain so.
Yet, fewer cars on the road also means that oil and gas prices have fallen and the average cost in the U.S. could be as low as $1.25 per gallon. Lower prices could contribute to a rebound in emissions later as driving is affordable and more convenient. One of the appeals of electric vehicles is the cost saving from lack of buying gas. If natural gas is inexpensive, the relative cost of electric vehicles increases, thus fewer people will drive them.
Whatever the future may hold, our transition back to “normal” life presents an opportunity. With so much in the world already changing, we have an opportunity to recover our economy and return to daily life in a way that is more sustainable.