Although staying at home is not the best thing for the economy, the environment is thriving. 

Pollution in cities like Los Angelas, Seattle, and New York has plummeted with the reduction in traffic. 

Emissions have dropped by more than 50% in some major cities. 

Cycling has also increased dramatically as people stray away from public transportation. Places like New York, Chicago, and Seattle have seen the number of bicycle riders double in recent weeks. 

For some, this news has caused the resurgence of “the dark side of environmentalism.” You know, where people suggest that the Earth would be better off without humans. 

It’s an understandable position, but it’s misguided. 

First of all, humans and the planet are not on separate teams. We’re a part of this thing, just like every other species. 

This view also discounts the disproportionate impact different people and societies have on the environment.

In short, yes, some of our industries and societal habits are detrimental to the environment.

However, that doesn’t make us a scourge on the planet. We are (perhaps) the most complex species on the planet, and as we learn we adapt and change. 

Instead of looking at the pandemic as a sign that humans are the problem, we challenge you to look at it as a model for long-term change. 

Never before have we seen governments and organizations successfully mobilize people to change their behaviors on such a large scale.

Perhaps, when this is over, we will be left with a society more willing and able to change behaviors for the benefit of the entire planet.