A WIDE-REACHING IMPACT

摘要

This spring, political and public recognition of the threat severity of the novel coronavirus increased rapidly. As hospitals became overwhelmed by lack of basic supplies and key equipment, many Americans experienced what life feels like when threats come to the homefront. Anxiety has risen as lifestyles are disrupted with high uncertainty about how health and economic impacts will play out. And while some silver linings exist-including a raised public awareness of the capabilities of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the community oj contractors that support its missions and those of the Federal Emergency Management Agency-the full effect of the pandemic remains unknown. The impact of the virus has extended beyond public health to touch on all spheres oj modern life, among them energy, sustainability, and resilience. Reductions in commuting and industrial output have resulted in demonstrably improved air quality and reduced emissions, both in the United Slates and abroad. It remains to be seen ij these improvements will spark motivation to continue or expand actions toward reducing common triggers for asthma and other health problems linked to poor air quality. Similarly, there have been reports of water quality improvements due to reduced discharges.