Blooming in the darkness Positivity still exists in 2020 Ava Richards
had unintended environmental benefits and changes in wildlife. Uncertainty. Fear. Helplessness. There have been significant reductions 2020 has been a whirlwind of emoin air pollution in areas that have been tions. And with saddening news seemsignificantly affected by COVID-19, ingly appearing every day, it’s safe to say like China and Italy. This is due to that the world is not in the best place transportation, aviation, and industry right now. slowing down. Pieternel Levelt, a reBut in this state of craziness, it’s searcher from the University of Technolimportant to be reminded of some of the ogy in the Netherlands, has found that good that’s prevailed. nitrogen dioxide levels are 35% lower in China than they had been during March Despite the chaotic circumstances, 2019. The emission of greenhouse gasses humans have continued to care for like carbon dioxide has also lowered due one another. Many kind people, school districts, and businesses to the current economic decline. Animals have also been roaming the have donated supplies and prostreets of many urban areasi with the vided food to those in need. Carolyn Wang, a junior, has lack of people outside. According to James Parkhurst, an Associate Professor used her sewing skills to make of Wildlife Science at Virginia Tech, this face masks, donating them to people in need, like nursing homes, her can lead to a change in their sleep cycle neighbors, and those that still have to go since they can now take advantage of the daylight. to work every day. Key Club also began Wildlife has also been protected a similar project and hopes to give their during this time, especially after the devmasks to those working in hospitals. astating fires in Australia. Bev Langley, Farther from home, the Cleveland the creator of Minton Farm Rescue CenMetropolitan School District aimed to ter, provided help for animals suffering help the young people in its community from injuries. She received one million by providing people under the age of dollars worth of medical supplies to reha18 with two free meals a day, Monday bilitate the animals with her husband and through Friday. The district is offering a shuttle service to the nearest site so people can pick up their meals. Hallmark gave away 1 million cards to help keep people connected amid the shelter-in-place. Hallmark’s CEO wanted to give anyone the chance to show their love for the people in their life, whether it be family, friends, teachers, or coworkers. Anyone living in the United States can participate on the Hallmark website by entering their name and address for a chance to receive cards. Shelter-in-place measures put in place around the globe have also
“In this state of craziness, it is important to be reminded of some of the good that has prevailed.”
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volunteers. Last but not least, this troubling time has allowed people across the globe to come together and make the most out of this situation. People have been able to connect in the most extravagant and creative ways. In Sicily, Italy, residents of neighboring buildings sat outside on their balconies singing songs and playing their instruments together. John Nichols, a Sicily resident, posted a video of the event on Twitter, and it went viral. In response, many citizens of Italy shared their own videos of their neighborhoods singing together. Similarly in New York City, people living all over the city came together to celebrate health professionals. At 7 p.m., everyone clapped, cheered, banged pots, or honked their horns to thank these people for all of their hard work during the pandemic. Actor John Krasinski created a news network called “Some Good News” to tell stories from his audience about good things that have recently happened. This show helps spread joy in times like these, where it can often be challenging to find anything positive about the situation.