NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

By Robin Young and Allison Hagan

During the COVID-19 pandemic, photos have shown peacocks prancing around Mumbai, crystal clear waters in the canals of Venice, and an influx of bees and rare wildflowers in the U.K.

These images are touted as evidence that the global coronavirus pandemic is helping the environment — but that’s not the complete picture. A recent article co-authored by Colorado State University professor Edward Barbier explains how land grabs, illegal mining and lack of funding are devastating natural environments around the globe.

The International Energy Agency says the world will use 6% less energy this year, the largest reduction in 70 years. But that won’t make up for losses from practices such as deforestation and wildlife poaching, he writes.

Photo courtesy of geralt.