Some are pointing out that the coronavirus shutdown presents an opportunity to test a major climate change assumption.^1-3 Because global industrial activity has been curtailed due to the pandemic, pollution in certain urban areas has decreased dramatically.⁴ This decrease in industrial activity should also theoretically decrease global carbon dioxide emissions.

During this time of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, medical science is seeking a vaccine as well as drugs that will treat the symptoms. In the meantime, much has been reported on the ventilator, a lifesaving device that is used on the most serious cases.

You probably have noticed over the last several weeks that your visits to the local store have demonstrated a new phenomenon—empty shelves in many parts of the grocery department.

Recent public health-related developments in America^1-3 and in other countries^1,4,5,6 have illustrated the need for balance in governmental interventions aimed at reducing the spread of the COVID-19 contagion.^5-8

Earth has experienced terrible pandemics before coronavirus.

Earlier this month, as archaeologists were researching an old Viking trade route in central Norway, they reminded us that Eurasia’s “Black Death” plague previously blanketed many Nordic countries about 600 years ago.^{1, 2}