Earth 1, humans 0

Yanir Aharaonson (“No, the pandemic wasn’t good for the environment,” June 20) discusses the impact of the COVID lockdowns on the environment. While carbon emissions dropped by perhaps 17%, the use of plastic containers increased exponentially contributing to pollution, climate change and loss of natural habitat.

Nobody knows how to control the crisis. Carbon tote bags might be actually worse for the environment than plastic but Starbucks has changed the lids on its cold drinks to eliminate the use of straws. One thing is for sure – planet Earth is sending a clear and powerful feedback signal to humanity with the almost four million deaths due to the corona pandemic most probably arising from overcrowding, over-population, under-sanitation, pollution, animal infiltration – and political whitewash.

Planet Earth is girding up for a long battle with greedy humanity and is determined to survive. The next pandemic may be worse.

YIGAL HOROWITZ, PHD

Beersheba