Let’s enjoy the fresh(er) air while we can

There is a silver lining to the COVID-19 cloud – literally. According to recent satellite data from NASA, air pollution has declined significantly across the northeastern U.S. and many other parts of the world.

Atmospheric levels of nitrogen dioxide pollution caused by electricity production, and car and truck emissions, have dropped by almost 30% compared with March last year. This year’s levels are the lowest average monthly atmospheric nitrogen dioxide levels measured by NASA during any March since 2005.

Columbia University researchers have also reported that carbon monoxide emissions from vehicle traffic have plummeted to less than 50% of the usual levels in New York City.

The same phenomenon has been observed in other cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, and Seattle. Los Angeles, which has one of the highest smog levels in the U.S., saw its notorious rush-hour traffic almost vanish after schools and businesses closed, with correspondingly lower levels of pollution.

Although cleaner air is a magnificent benefit during a time when many victims of the coronavirus experience respiratory tract difficulties, scientists have warned that the drop in air pollution is temporary and that pollution levels will undoubtedly increase as soon as coronavirus restrictions are lifted.