The recent outbreak Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a household concern in todays date. Originating from Wuhan, China, the virus has spread itself to 70+ countries all over the world. Having claimed several lives, Coronavirus has been the single most deadly virus epidemic, succeeding the SARS outbreak in 2003, which also originated from China. 

So how did coronavirus come about? It has a deep connection with wildlife to it. Huanan Market, wuhan, China, where live (wild) animals are slaughtered are sold for consumption purpose. Animals tend to be host to many viruses harmful to Human health, and in this case the coronavirus. Of the initial 41 cases, 27 were found to have visited this market before.it has been unclear as to which wild animal has been the transmitting source to humans. Bats, snakes and pangolins are suggested to have the most probability of being the carrier of the virus.

Upon the outbreak, eating wild animals has been made illegal in China. However, to eradicate the wildlife trade market is not easy give the economic value of it. Why some may consider banning wildlife trade in China permanently is because the SARS outbreak had also been transmitted through bats. The economic value of these wet markets are huge, however, the hygiene, the conditions in which the wild animals are kept in, etc. become a health hazard. The Coronavirus outbreak has brought into light the threat these markets pose on wildlife and human health. [1]

A surprising but rather short-lived benefit of coronavirus has emerged. The virus spread has been responsible for cutting carbon emissions at a large scale. China, a large hub of emissions, has cut down on 25% of it aaccording to Carbon Briefs report.[2] With some restrictions being imposed on certain economic activities in China, the high emission levels have dropped down significantly. Wuhan has been on a lockdown since January and several businesses have been affected. The drop has globally cut down 6% of the carbon emissions. 

Aviation industry has also been responsible for carbon emissions reduction. Flights to and from China have been restricted and the industry is at a loss due to the virus outbreak. Subsequently, the carbon emissions have reduced too. [3]

The benefit of Coronavirus maybe effective but is short spanned. There are more negatives associated to the virus. Environment has been severely affected due to this virus outbreak, bringing economies to a standstill. As the fight against the outbreak continues, we can only hope for better days to come.

[1] https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/05/asia/china-coronavirus-wildlife-consumption-ban-intl-hnk/index.html

[2] https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-coronavirus-has-temporarily-reduced-chinas-co2-emissions-by-a-quarter

[3] https://grist.org/climate/coronavirus-the-worst-way-to-drive-down-emissions/