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How Coronavirus Quarantines Lead To A Drop In Air Pollution

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As coronavirus quickly spreads around the world, the virus is forcing people to stay put.

People aren’t driving or flying, leading to a massive reduction in air pollution, most notably in China, but also in Italy, the U.S. and other hard-hit areas that have implemented directives to stay home.

What has been the impact of quarantine measures on transportation and its contribution to air pollution?

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant shift in the way people live and work. It has disrupted industries, economies, and healthcare systems all over the world, and the effects are still being felt. However, amidst countless negative outcomes, there has been a silver lining for the environment. Quarantine measures aimed at curbing the spread of the virus have led to a reduction in air pollution.

Air pollution has been a significant health and environmental issue globally for years, with its effects felt in major cities. The primary contributors to air pollution include industries, vehicle emissions, and natural sources like dust and wildfires. The World Health Organization estimates that ambient air pollution is responsible for almost 3 million deaths annually. With this in mind, any measures that can mitigate air pollution should be welcomed.

The restrictions placed on travel, and industrial and commercial operations have led to a reduction in air pollution levels globally. Images from NASA show significant drops in nitrogen dioxide levels in China, Europe, and the US since the quarantine measures were put into place. Nitrogen dioxide is a gas released by vehicles and power plants, and it contributes to the formation of smog and acid rain.

In India, the lockdown measures have led to clear skies and clean air in major cities like New Delhi. Before the pandemic, New Delhi was among the world’s most polluted cities. However, the lockdown measures have led to a 60% decrease in nitrogen dioxide levels. Furthermore, air quality standards in Indian cities have improved significantly in the last six months.

The transportation sector has also been significantly impacted by quarantine measures. The drop in vehicular traffic as people stay home has led to cleaner air globally. Studies show that transportation contributes greatly to air pollution, and a reduction in vehicular traffic can lead to a significant reduction in pollutants in the atmosphere.

The pandemic has forced industries to reduce or suspend operations leading to a decrease in air pollution. The decrease in production activities in China, for example, has led to a sharp drop in greenhouse gas emissions. Experts estimate that China’s CO2 emissions fell by 200 million metric tons during the quarantine period.

In conclusion, the quarantine measures put in place to curtail COVID-19’s spread have led to a significant decrease in air pollution. Although the pandemic’s consequences have been far-reaching and devastating, the global response has shown the significant impact human activities have on the environment. With careful planning, policy measures aimed at reducing pollutants in the atmosphere can be put in place to maintain clean air even after the crisis has passed.