Shelter in place orders due to COVID-19 are causing people to reevaluate our healthcare system; traditional work schedules and benefits; and sanitation guidelines in public spaces, along with ways to improve them.

In China, a 50 percent reduction in nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide related to shuttering heavy industry was observed by NASA. Los Angeles reported some of its cleanest air quality since at least 1995, according to the Washington Post. Similar improvements have been reported around the world.

Dallas can hope for a reprieve from poor air quality by applying some of the lessons learned during this time. The inaugural Dallas Comprehensive Environmental & Climate Action Plan (CECAP) will go before the city council on May 27 for approval. Implementation means initiating actions across eight sectors involving transportation, energy and air quality that will help achieve the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and reduce ozone precursors.

The CECAP roadmap outlines specific activities to improve quality of life for all residents, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for the impacts of climate change and create a healthier community, all carefully selected to include mitigation, adaptation, environmental quality and justice.

The city will form an Environment and Sustainability Advisory committee to assist with implementation across all sectors and concerned departments. They will work with the Environmental and Sustainability Committee established by Mayor Johnson and the Regional Climate Coalition.

Read the CECAP at DallasClimateAction.com. For more information, call 214-671-1200.