Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 28, 2020 (ZIZ News): The Environment Subcommittee has found that the environment is probably the only sector that is not adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Environment Subcommittee is mainly responsible for assessing impacts to the natural environment with respect to any disaster situation.
Giving an update on the role of the environment subcommittee at Monday’s edition of the NEOC daily briefing, Director of the Department of Environment June Hughes said while the committee is developing response plans and assessments for the upcoming hurricane season, it has been noticed that although the consequences of covid19 have been so detrimental to the human population and the global economy, the environment has benefitted significantly.
<> “With worldwide lockdown and stay at home orders, the environmental ecosystems have actually been granted a much needed reprieve from human interactions. It has been noted in many media articles that as vehicular and foot traffic have lessened, natural ecosystems and biodiversity have consequently begun to thrive. I am positive that when this is all over, there will be a marked decrease in global greenhouse gas emissions; a much needed break for the climate system. Additionally, with a reduction in vehicular traffic and human activity overall, we ae experiencing less air pollution, less pressure on our natural resources and less impact on our flora and fauna.”
She said that there are lessons to be learned from the virus’ impact.
<> “It has conversely resulted in a much needed breather for the planet. I pray that the lessons that are learned from this virus’ impact is not lost in the noise. We have not been kind to the planet and who knows, maybe this virus is the planet fighting back. It is my hope that our new normal provokes us into taking a much needed new perspective on how we can discover real and lasting solutions that would be mutually beneficial not only for mankind, but also for the natural resources that sustain us.”
The committee is made up of the director of environment who chairs the committee and representatives from Delta and Sol, St. Christopher National Trust, the Coast Guard, Fire and Rescue Services, Parks and Beaches Unit, Department of Marine Resources, Department of Maritime Affairs, Solid Waste Management Corporation and representatives of NEMA from both St. Kitts and Nevis.