Italy is currently under lockdown measures aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19. While Italians sing from their balconies to maintain their spirits, the streets of major cities are eerily deserted, creating an unexpected opportunity for nature to flourish.
The iconic canals of Venice now boast crystal-clear waters. This phenomenon is a direct result of the reduced boat traffic typically caused by vaporettos and gondolas, which often stir up sediment. Consequently, the clarity of the water has allowed observers to marvel at large schools of fish and swans that are enjoying the tranquility of the lagoon.
However, Venice is not the only city witnessing a resurgence of wildlife. In Cagliari, located on the island of Sardinia, dolphins have been spotted swimming into the port. Similarly, in Sassari, wild boars are scavenging empty streets, taking advantage of the deserted conditions caused by the lockdown. Moreover, ducks have been seen swimming peacefully in the fountains of Rome, undisturbed by any human activity.
In light of the lockdown measures implemented on March 9 and continuing until April 3, air pollution levels across Italy have shown a remarkable decline. This improvement in air quality parallels similar trends observed in other parts of the world, such as China, where environmental stressors have significantly decreased.
