FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — The stay-at-home order in Tennessee could have positive effects on the environment and wildlife.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation stated there's been more than a 40 percent reduction in highway traffic in the state compared to this time last year. It has been close to 60 percent on the weekends in April. The significant drops in all major Tennessee cities could be seen starting on March 21.
TDOT Traffic Reduction Charts:
Michael Butler of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation said while data is hard to pinpoint how much social distancing is benefiting nature, there are ways it could help overall.
With fewer people on the road, there's arguably a decrease in litter. TWF has been showcasing the litter problem in the state through a photo campaign.
Butler said there could also be less roadkill and noise pollution. From his quiet and tucked away home in Franklin, Butler's now able to hear certain songs from birds more clearly because there's less noise on the road.
TWF said this very narrow window of time each year is critical for reptile and amphibian reproduction. Individual animals are traveling to breeding pools, which is incredibly risky. The steep drop off in human disturbance is likely beneficial for them, especially in closed state parks.
When it comes to air pollution, state officials said they haven't observed significant impact on air quality. There's not a noticeable difference currently compared to major cities around the world where air quality has improved tremendously.
Researchers in Los Angeles report the region's air quality has improved by 20 percent and also found a 40 percent decrease in microscopic air pollutants linked to heart and lung issues. In New York, researchers found carbon emissions from cards and trucks dropped nearly 50 percent compared to this time last year.
"I don't know if we'll see a vast change in air monitor quality but we could," Butler said.
The TWF suspects passive ambient air monitoring systems in different parts of the state might show improvement. However, this time of the year is where pollen is a bigger problem than tailpipe and factory emissions. Air quality is worse during summer because the heat and humidity aren't helping dissipate ground level ozone.
Butler said if anything, there may be a bigger impact on humans. They may appreciate what Tennessee's nature has to offer since outdoor activities are still considered essential.
"The value that we place on humans on wildlife and wild places is irreplaceable," Butler added.
There have been videos in other parts of the world where wildlife is exploring typically more public areas. Butler believes animals aren't necessarily coming out more in Tennessee, but people are noticing more.
"They're here with us all the time. The thing that's changed is we're at home and we're a little more still and more quiet and so we're noticing what we typically don't get to notice," he said.
He hopes people will have a renewed effort and interest in environment conservation during this time.
To learn more about TWF, click on this link.
