BBC News has reported that there have been “significant drops” in levels of air pollution and CO2 where the coronavirus pandemic response has affected work and travel.

Carbon monoxide has dropped by nearly half and concentrations of CO2 have fallen “sharply” in New York according to research from Columbia University. Carbon Brief analysis has also shown a temporary but significant reduction in CO2 emissions from China.

Carbon Brief has noted, however, that after the 2008-09 global financial crisis, carbon emissions shot up by 5 per cent as a result of stimulus spending that boosted fossil fuel use. Current attempts to stave of the effects of the Covid-19 virus may have similar repercussions unless regulations are in place.

Share Story: