Global travel limitations have also meant that some cities are experiencing a sharp drop in pollution. Many countries have advised that natives self-isolate and avoid any unnecessary journeys. Naturally, this has meant that carbon emissions from cars have rapidly reduced since the start of 2020. The month of May is usually points to a rise in global emissions due to the decomposition of leaves, but research has shown that it is likely CO2 output could hit an all-time low.

China has been the hardest hit throughout the pandemic and, though it’s likely they may want to make up for their losses in the coming months and ramp up production and manufacturing, leading to spike in energy use, studies showed that the country had reduced its output by 25 per cent – which makes up for around one per cent of its annual carbon emissions.

Nature has no doubt benefitted from the slow-down and many scientists and climate campaigners are hoping that governments will see this as a stepping stone to combatting climate change. It isn’t necessarily an easy move, but the positive impacts serve as proof that, amidst all the damage we are doing to the planet, the future is somewhat salvageable.

Previously published on British Vogue