Levels of air pollutants and warming gases over some cities and regions are showing significant drops as coronavirus impacts work and travel.

New York Researchers

Researchers in New York told the BBC, their early results showed carbon monoxide mainly from cars, had been reduced by nearly 50% compared with last year and emissions of CO2 have also fallen sharply. With global economic activity significantly reduced as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, emissions of a variety of gases related to energy and transport are reduced.

The 'Research'

It’s still early days, but the latest data from New York suggests that restrictions on unnecessary travel are already making a noticeable difference to the environment. Traffic levels in the city have dropped by an estimated 35% compared to this time last year, leading to a significant reduction in air pollution. Research from Columbia University has found that carbon monoxide emissions have fallen by around 50% on some days, with carbon dioxide levels also showing a decline of 5-10%. There has even been a recorded drop in methane levels.

Elsewhere, China and Northern Italy – both heavily impacted by the pandemic – have reported significant decreases in nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant closely linked to vehicle emissions and industrial activity. With airline travel reduced and millions of people now working remotely, similar trends are likely occurring in other parts of the world. While working from home may increase household energy consumption, the sharp decline in commuting and economic activity overall is helping to cut emissions.

The bigger question, however, is what happens next. The way governments choose to revive their economies will have a lasting impact on global emissions. Following the 2008-09 financial crisis, carbon emissions surged by 5% as stimulus efforts fuelled fossil fuel consumption. This time, there is an opportunity to do things differently. Governments could take a more sustainable approach – perhaps by tying airline bailouts to stricter emissions reductions.

This moment offers a rare chance to rethink our relationship with the environment. The choices made now will shape the future of our planet.

Conclusion

Whilst the universe and mother nature are trying to teach us our lessons, we must take heed of those lessons. It’s not enough for us to stay home and ignore the warnings of what the Coronavirus is teaching or telling us. It is important we use what we know to change the way we do things.

We have an opportunity to build on creating a safer planet and that is what we must do. Not to means we ignore these things at our peril. (Source: bbccouk)