March 2020 has been another challenging month for humankind, who is collectively battling the coronavirus that is causing COVID-19. This illness emerged as an outbreak in Wuhan, then became an epidemic that challenged China, and now is a pandemic that has crossed international boundaries and is affecting 199 countries and territories around the world. As of Saturday afternoon, the total number of reported coronavirus cases were 614,063.

The world news headlines are all about COVID-19, and measures are taken by the world countries to contain its cause and to control the cases. Doubtlessly, these news headlines are also highlighting all the negative repercussions of the current situation, be it on the global economy or each country’s economy. Numerous industries including, but not limited to, aviation, tourism, professional sports and entertainment, oil and gas are struggling due to this unprecedented situation. Nonetheless, industries associated with logistics and deliveries, entertainment streaming, and gaming are thriving.

In the midst of this challenge, it is vital to look on the positive aspects of the cloud of COVID-19. Therefore, the lines below will highlight four positive sides of this challenge.

No matter what, humanity is still a priority

The healthcare staffs are overworking to save humankind from this pandemic and becoming our soldiers on the front lines. This effort is supported by scientists around the world, who are researching, freely sharing information as well as introducing a new culture of researching to everyone.

Additionally, numerous initiatives have been introduced as a response to support the situation. A number of countries are sending aid to highly affected countries. Also, celebrities, professional athletes, and businessmen have donated vast resources to help the people affected by the pandemic. In the UAE, for instance, in addition to its leadership’s close support and involvement, its leading businessmen have stepped up to lend a helping hand by offering their facilities to the health authorities as well as donating millions of dirhams towards the same cause. This, indeed, is an illustration of what we always heard “Challenges bring us together.”

Better prepared, more ready for the uncertainties

This situation is educating many of us, and by now, many agree on what led the COVID-19 to grow profusely. Unfortunately, the world fell short on its preparedness, response, and recovery. However, this pandemic certainly is a wake-up call for many to be better prepared, and more ready for any uncertainties.

As of now, strict control measures have been placed around the world, and it will continue further. Additionally, governments of all types will adopt emergency measures to manage this crisis and the future COVID-19-like crises. Governments may end up devoting budgets to research into infectious diseases, life-threatening pathogens, and pandemic-focused topics. Consequently, to end up with genomic data and genome database, which is useful in developing diagnostics and vaccines for such diseases.

Transformation

This unprecedented situation did not only enforce social distancing on us but also pushed many institutions, including government offices, universities, schools and, businesses to break through its rigid systems. Many of them introduced and enabled remote engagements to keep businesses and education running.

In fact, what was challenging and unnecessary before COVID-19, has become possible and imperative today. As a result, more technologies that create virtual means and innovative solutions for human interaction will emerge further.

What is positive about this is that work-from-home and distance education arrangements may become permanent in many countries. Institutes and businesses will re-think its business models as well as re-evaluate some of its expenses that once were assumed necessary.

Our planet is breathing

Multiple sources have reported the correlation between the control measures taken to contain COVID-19 and the pollution levels, mainly air pollution, around the world. The pollution levels have temporarily declined due to the reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. According to NASA and European Space Agency (ESA), pollution-monitoring satellites have captured significant decreases in Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), which is released by vehicles, power plants and industrial facilities, over China. A similar pattern has emerged with Carbon Dioxide (CO2), as coal consumptions declined as well. Indeed, the fall is temporary, and it is a result of the changed human behavior, but it is providing the earth with a space to breathe.

In conclusion, with COVID-19 challenges and negative consequences came opportunities and positive aspects too. The previous lines reflected the power of unity and cooperation against COVID-19 to keep humanity a priority. Additionally, today’s situation is not less than a wake-up call for the world, who will be better prepared and cautious to avoid future life-threatening challenges. With the support of technology and human innovation-centric behaviour, the daily life arrangements, including work and education, are still functioning, and these new behaviours could be transferred to our lifestyle post the end of this pandemic. Finally, restricted travel and self-isolation resulted in a temporary fall in the pollution levels around the world, thus allowing our planet to breathe.