COVID-19 PANDEMIC
(by: Amrita Karia)
Environmental Impacts
Positive
air quality has improved and greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced, water pollution is clearing up and natural wildlife returning home worldwide.
all the positives come from things like less traffic and businesses being closed therefore we don't know if this will be bale to last after covid-19
Negative
Large amounts of medical and hazardous waste are being generated. Additionally with people online shopping more, lots of packaging is creating waste
Recycling has been halted in certain countries
Political Impacts
No campaigning/ rallies &
Delay of elections
Obviously there is minimal campaigning and zero rallies because people are forced to stay home and no big gatherings are allowed. This can greatly affect a political campaign and change the elections altogether. This could be a reason for a delay of elections. Currently, in the States, the elections have not been delayed, but there has been a conversation in regards to the possibility.
Trust/ Appreciation
Trust in government and political leaders is increasing. More importantly, society has been appreciating how much their lives depend on people like grocery workers or waste collectors. This may help us reduce inequality in the future.
Sociocultural Impacts
Examples
Art Galleries: (I chose this one because when i am older I eventually want to own an art gallery) art galleries rely mostly on paintings being sold and fundraising, in order to stay open. With self-isolation comes a reduction in people attending art shows, ticket sales and of course, art sales. The galleries have to close and the industry will feel the effects of corona long after it's over
Bat/Bar Mitzvahs: my neighbourhood is orthodox Jewish and celebrations like this are anticipated since the kid is born. These practices are being compromised due to the fact that we can't have gatherings of a lot of people. This may have an impact on the child because this is an important socio-cultural event in their life.
Racism
Asians have been targeted by many forms of racism such as cyberbullying, hateful comments on the street or even just rude stares. Online we see racist comments directed at Asian people daily. A girl in our grade at LP spoke out about a racist, hurtful comment said to her on the streets of Toronto. Having a president like Trump in the US call it the "china virus" makes people think that it is okay to blame all Asian people for the virus and everything that came along with it.
Two french doctors suggested that we test the vaccine for corona virus in Africa. This comes off as them treating Africans like "human guinea pigs" and is extremely racist.
Economic Impacts
Developing Countries
LONG TERM
There will definitely be a cut in international trade due to the fall of worldwide demand for products (this applies to good and investments). Sectors such as travel, tourism and construction will be hit the hardest.
Trade will be affected by changes in production patterns. For example, production of masks are taking over many factories. Therefore, the production of other good are being slowly cut down and starting it back up after the pandemic will be difficult. Additionally, sales are falling worldwide for products that are not a "need" currently. The biggest risk there is that companies are having to lay off workers or even close down completely.
This can cause lower export revenues and balance of payments difficulties
SHORT TERM
Currently, I read that the countries are working on some of the national macro-economic levers to sustain businesses and there are ongoing discussions with international creditors about cancelling or rescheduling repayments, of some of the countries debts.
First World Countries
Job Loss: In the US (within two weeks), approx 10 million people applied for unemployment benefits.
Stock Market: For the first time since 2008, Wall Street experienced a crash because covid- 19 affects supply chains for most industries and sectors.
Immigration: Travel restrictions have already stopped immigration and the border has closed to asylum seekers. When this is all over, and the economy is trying to recover, overnments may face pressure to limit the total flow of immigrants which can be seen as ethically wrong.
Technological Impacts
Example: Realestate agents in Edmonton
They have been using technology for virtual showings, virtual evaluations, virtual open houses. Therefore, they can continue selling houses.
Example: online shopping, e-banking, remote education, telehealth, online groceries and services like UberEats.
Techonolgies like 5G, artificial intelligence, machine learning (ML), augmented and virtual reality, location technologies, cloud and entertainment localization, and robotics, all get more attention and will be used more after the pandamic as well. People will start learning how to use new techonologies and therefore, as a society we can continue to move forward with our discoveries.
Technology lets people stay in contact when they can't physically be together which is why it is so useful in this time.
My experiences
My Family's
First 2 weeks
My mom and I both went away so, we had to do
a 14 day complete isolation.
Effects on us:
- our mental health and physical health took a toll
- we were not exercising or eating nutritious food
- from this experience we learned that even in
tough times, it is important to keep a routine
Hobbies
baking
I used to bake a lot as a kid.
The isolation has led me to
start baking again. I realized
it is something I really enjoy
doing so, I'm happy I'm doing
it again.
skateboarding
I am very athletic
but, I never skateboard.
Partially because I'm scared
and partially because no one
around me knows how. I have
started to try to learn how to
skateboard with my friend in the
neighbourhood.
Work
Luckily, my mom's work
is completely online and
from home. Therefore,
from an economic standpoint
this did not greatly affect us.
My work is at a
boxing studio which is
currently closed.
My Neighbourhood's
- my neighbourhood is orthodox jewish
- it was someone's bar mitzvah
- they did not cancel it despite the laws
- 311 was called and the police came
- they ended up getting fined