The Challenge
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, protected areas and other forms of wilderness areas (e.g. arboretums, beaches, parks, marine monuments) have been closed worldwide. These closures have limited hiking, swimming, sports, and other social activities at these locations.
What do you think are the effects of reduced human traffic in these forests, parks, and beaches? Would there be a reduction in erosion and other forms of land degradation, or a change in water quality? Would there be a change in the behavior of land and marine life, and/or perhaps an increase in growth of invasive or harmful species?
These outcomes may seem logical, but they must be backed by solid data. Your challenge is to examine any potential impacts of reduced human traffic in local protected natural environments. How can you demonstrate the links between reduced human traffic in natural environments due to COVID-19 with positive or negative impacts on existing environmental conditions?
Considerations:
- Any type of environment or location is suitable. Clearly define the study area for your solution.
- If local environmental data are not available, how can you equip citizen scientists to gather the necessary observations in the future?
- Please ensure that when attempting to solve this challenge, your participation does not violate your state or local government closure or stay-at-home laws!
- What scientific data collection or environmental protection activities are being disrupted in these local regions due to the pandemic, and how do you propose to address such disruptions?
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