Environment, Biodiversity and Soil Security: A New Dimension in the Era of COVID-19

Abstract

Undoubtedly, COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most devastating pandemics in the recent era and major problem for sustainability of life. This virus has severely impacted both environmental and human health. Moreover, it has become the top priority among other challenging global issues including pollution, climate change, urbanization, and unsustainable consumption, which have led to major environmental disturbances and biodiversity loss. The COVID-19 may have long-lasting impacts on the environment health, biodiversity, and soil security, consequently, will raising several scientific questions to be investigated in near future including the expected environmental impacts of COVID-19 on soil, water and air, connecting the missing links between environmental pollutions and COVID-19. Most importantly, unraveling the role of soil in spreading or reducing transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic, and soil xenobiotics status under the COVID-19 outbreak. Understanding the projected management scenario of soil and freshwater pollution in the post-COVID-19 era and the potential impact of COVID-19 on food and soil security would be of immense aid in the preparation of future pandemics. This opinion article aims to analyze and foresee some of the major issues for meeting the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.