With the outbreak of COVID-19 and almost the entire planet on full lockdown, streets are empty, shops are closed and previously bustling cities have become ghost towns. While for most of us, it means excessive time to think and no end to the uncertainties being raised, our planet seems to be reveling in it. With fewer cars on the streets, most factories shut down and several major sources of pollution coming to a halt, many cities across the globe are seeing drastic decreases in air pollution levels.
From Madrid to Paris, air pollution has dropped by a whopping 50%, and according to a study from NASA, the northeastern states of America have seen a 30% decrease. Nitrogen Oxide levels in China have also reduced by 30%. And while you may want to question the numbers, you can't deny what you see with your own eyes. These 11 pictures show us places all over the world before and after the lockdown, so you can see the impact for yourself!
New York In Times of Quarantine Is a Sight to Document!
Lockdown orders transformed New York City completely. These photos show the empty city in the most unique situation imaginable....
4 Ways to Tell Time Without a Watch
Phone battery died? These methods will help you tell the time by relying solely upon the sun - no watch needed!
Winter Hikers, Gather Round for the Best Tip of the Season
Here's how advanced snow hikers layer clothing in the winter.
What Our Pets Were REALLY Thinking During Lockdown...
This cat doesn't seem to approve of his owner's quarantine habits, and it's hilarious!
14 Wonderful Moments Scientists Have Documented with a Lens
Behind each of these 14 images is a fascinating story that makes them even more powerful...
Hilarious Quarantine Signs Keep Things Light in Dark Times
These signs prove that no matter how bad the pandemic gets, people will always find creative ways to make other people laugh.
This Man Saved the Tiniest Bird You've Ever Seen
This video is heart melting. Such a good guy this man is, saving the tiniest birds you've ever seen. See the tiny eggs transform into tiny creatures of fluff and feather.
Better Together: Animals Who Collaborate in the Wild
These pairs of animals of different species have amazing ways of helping each other in the wild.
Breathtaking! Nature Has Never Looked This Beautiful!
Check out some of the finest photos from National Geographic's 2017 'Nature Photographer of the Year' awards.
Beautiful & Weird Creatures of the Sea - Collection
In this collection, you'll find some of the most strange, beautiful and remarkable creatures under the waves.
The Most Adorable Otter Ever Will Teach You About Otters
This little orphaned river baby otter is so cute, you'll never want to stop watching it. But if you do, you'll learn all about otters while accompanying on his little day. Are you ready to learn about otters?
Experience Pinnacles National Park in Crisp 4K Resolution
Check out this incredible time lapse video of California's Pinnacles National Park, which was filmed in crisp 4K resolution.
The Adorable Babies of 10 of the Most Feared Predators
Although we'd prefer not to come close to predatory beasts, their babies are so cute and hard to resist!
Animal Leanring: How Cats Apologize to Humans
Many people think cats don't know how to apologize or feel regret. However, cats harbor a depth of emotions that might surprise you.
This Animal Is the Best Mimic in the World...
How intelligent and clever IS this animal??
Adorable: These Birds Woke up on the Wrong Side of the Bed
Ossi Saarinen's bird photos always make everyone go "awww." Check them out for yourself!
The Story of the World's Most Poisonous Creature
This frog is the most poisonous creature in the world!
National Geographic's Photography Never Ceases to Amaze
National Geographic never ceases to amaze us with the photos it shows us, and the 20 images you're about to see here are no exception.
WATCH: 12 Stunning Underwater Landscapes On Video
Live under the waves is fascinating and beautiful, but it's only recently that we've been able to capture it in all its glory. View these 12 stunning videos.
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Dogs!
How much do you know about our furry friends?
INTERACTIVE: Click on the Colorful Birds to See Them!
Click on a bird and see a video of a real bird.
Learn How Wolves Evolved Into Domestic Dogs
Ever wondered how wolves ended up evolving into the dogs that we all know and love? Find out how it happened in this article.
15 Things You Never Knew About the Panda Bear
When you hear about pandas, you think big, cute and cuddly, but there is much you might not know about these gentle giants...
Meet Wisdom, the World's Oldest Known Wild Bird
Wisdom, a Laysan albatross, has survived tsunamis and raised over 40 chicks. And she’s still not done!
Have You Seen These Rare and Stunning Albino Animals?
Albino animals are extremely rare to be found. Here is a a look at some of the most stunning albino animals you would have ever seen.
Australia Has Some of the Cutest Wildlife in the World!
Australia has many deadly animals, but did you know it's also filled with fluffy, adorable wildlife? Warning: You may want to fly to Australia and hug some animals after this post.
These Flowers Capture a Starry Night On Their Petals
These wonderful flowers appear to have the night sky captured in their very petals. View some stunning photos of them and learn more about them.
This Incredible Animal Video Had Millions Talking About It!
From the moment these baby iguanas hatch, they are faced with a life or death situation. Can they survive the snake gauntlet?
These Pictures Perfectly Capture the Magic of Fall
Enjoy this beautiful collection of fall pictures.
The Amazing Life of a National Geographic Photographer.
Cory Richards has been all over the world and went through a life and death experience, this is what he has to say to you…
30 Animals With More Hair Than They Know What to Do With
It's hard to imagine how any of these animals can see clearly with all that hair. Enjoy these 30 cute and furry animals in desperate need of a haircut.
Discover the World of Beautiful Wild Cats
These cats may make you want to pet them, but be advised - these are all rare and highly feral breeds. Maybe it's best to enjoy these 10 wild cats from afar...
The Deadliest Volcanic Eruptions in Human History
Volcanoes are one of Mother Nature's deadliest phenomena. Here are the 5 most deadliest volcanic eruptions in human history.
These Have Got to Be Some of the World Strangest Plants
In this world there are pretty plants and then there are talented and bizarre plants. These 12 plants definitely fall into the latter category.
This Photographer Captures Crystals with Indelible Beauty!
Behold 17 gorgeous crystals by the talented photographer László Kupi.
This Amusing Video Explains How Cats Land on Their Feet!
Have you ever wondered just how cats manage to safely land on their feet every time they fall or are dropped? Watch this video and wonder no more!
16 Bizarre Facts That Are So Strange They Could Only Be True
Sometimes science is so bizarre it blows the mind. Read These 16 fascinating facts that prove that truth is stranger than fiction.
Nine Deceptive Animals for Whom Every Day Is Halloween
Natures most amazing shapeshifters and masters of disguise
10 Ideal Plants to Fill Up Empty Space in Your Garden
If your yard or garden has a lot of empty space, then why not add some evergreen ground cover plants to give it some extra character?
15 Charming Close-Ups of Cold-Blooded Creatures
You've never seen lizards, snakes, or frogs like this before.
Rain Adds So Much More Beauty to Nature...
Flowers are way more beautiful after some rain has fallen. Don't believe us? Check these photos out then!
These Horses All Have the Most Amazing Hair!
These horse breeds all have an amazing hair! Enjoy getting to know some of the world's most beautiful horse breeds, along with some facts.
Ever Wondered How Sperm Whales Sleep? Wonder No More!
Have you ever wondered how sperm whales sleep before? Wonder no more, because the phenomenon has finally been captured on camera. Take a look.
These Photos Prove Mother Nature Can Be So Creative!
These photos prove that Mother Nature has a creative side.
Some Flowers Are Absolutely Stunning - Like These Beauties
The petals on these flowers make such beautiful ornaments that you'll wish you were a bee.
20 Jaw-Dropping Natural Landscapes That Grip Your Soul
It's impossible to put words to these glorious pictures. We just can't.