Lockdowns Reduce Air Pollution: Covid-19'S Silver Lining

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about changes in the way people live, and also in the way health is prioritised. The pandemic has had an impact on air pollution, with researchers noting a decrease in air pollution during the pandemic. This was due to a reduction in human activities such as burning fossil fuels, industrial production, and transportation, which led to a decrease in the emission of pollutants into the air. The pandemic has also brought about a shift in priorities, with health and environmental concerns taking centre stage. This has resulted in a renewed focus on tackling air pollution and improving air quality. For instance, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Serbia has partnered with the Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences to study the link between air pollution and COVID-19 cases in the country. While the economic disruption caused by the pandemic might have reduced air pollution, it is important to remember that the pandemic has also caused harm to health and broader disruptions such as lost incomes and the inability to receive care for non-COVID-19 illnesses and injuries.

Lockdowns reduced economic activities that cause air pollution

Lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic have been linked to a decrease in air pollution. The suspension of economic activities, such as industrial production and transportation, has been a significant factor in this reduction.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented slowdown in economic activities worldwide. Many industries, such as manufacturing and transportation, were forced to halt or reduce operations due to lockdown measures and travel restrictions. This had a direct impact on the emission of air pollutants. For example, the closure of factories and industrial sites resulted in a decrease in the release of harmful particles into the atmosphere.

Research has shown that the concentration of various pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO, and NO2, decreased during the COVID-19 lockdown periods. These pollutants are primarily associated with industrial production and transportation. The reduction in economic activities gave researchers a unique opportunity to study the impact of these activities on air quality.

The decrease in air pollution due to the lockdown had notable health benefits. Studies suggest that the two-month pollution drop in China may have saved the lives of 4,000 children under the age of 5 and 73,000 adults over the age of 70. This is a significant number, especially when compared to the global death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic during that time.

While the lockdown measures may have temporarily improved air quality, it is important to recognize that the pandemic has also disrupted livelihoods and access to healthcare. Therefore, while the reduction in economic activities may have helped reduce air pollution, it is not considered a "silver lining" of the pandemic due to its overall detrimental effects on society.

The pandemic highlighted the need to improve air quality

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to improve air quality. The pandemic caused a global health crisis, and it also brought to light the detrimental effects of air pollution on human health. Air pollution has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and it contributes to the mortality rate. The pandemic, therefore, served as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address air pollution and improve air quality.

During the pandemic, lockdown measures and travel restrictions were implemented worldwide to curb the spread of the virus. These measures had a significant impact on human activities and reduced population mobility. As a result, there was a notable decrease in air pollution levels globally. This provided an opportunity for researchers to study the relationship between air pollution and human activities.

In China, for example, the concentration of air pollutants such as PM2.5 and NO2 decreased by about 35% and 60% respectively, during the early stages of the pandemic in 2020. Similarly, in India, PM2.5 concentrations decreased by up to 54% in analysed cities. The suspension of industrial production and transportation activities greatly reduced the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere.

The pandemic underscored the importance of prioritizing health and environmental sustainability. The temporary improvements in air quality during lockdowns showed that it is possible to make a significant impact on air pollution through collective efforts. However, it is important to recognize that the pandemic also disrupted livelihoods and caused economic hardship for many.

Going forward, it is crucial to build on the lessons learned during the pandemic and continue to prioritize air quality improvements. This includes encouraging innovation, implementing effective policies, and addressing the root causes of air pollution. By doing so, we can work towards creating a greener and more sustainable future for all.

Reduced population mobility led to lower air pollution

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on air pollution levels globally. One of the most prominent factors contributing to this reduction in air pollution has been the decrease in population mobility due to lockdown measures and travel restrictions.

When countries imposed mandatory lockdowns and travel bans, human mobility decreased drastically. This reduction in movement, especially the decline in daily commutes and public transport usage, played a crucial role in lowering air pollution levels. Studies have shown a strong correlation between restricted human mobility and decreased air pollution. For instance, after China implemented a travel ban and city blockade, population mobility dropped by 69.85%, leading to a significant reduction in air pollutant concentrations, particularly AQI, PM2.5, and CO, which are largely influenced by personal activities.

The suspension of industrial production and transportation during the pandemic further contributed to the decline in air pollution. The decrease in economic activities resulted in lower emissions of harmful pollutants. This was particularly evident in the reduction of PM2.5 concentrations, which originate predominantly from burning fossil fuels. Across China, PM2.5 levels decreased by nearly 30%, and in analysed cities in India, the reduction was even more pronounced, reaching up to 54%.

The impact of reduced population mobility on air quality was also observed in European cities. The decrease in motorized traffic, especially in densely populated urban areas, led to a notable decline in NO2 concentrations. This improvement in air quality was attributed primarily to the reduction in road traffic volume, as people's daily commutes and transit decreased significantly during the pandemic.

While the COVID-19 pandemic inadvertently led to a temporary improvement in air quality due to reduced population mobility, it is important to recognize that the pandemic itself has caused immense harm to health and disrupted lives in numerous other ways. Therefore, while we acknowledge the positive impact on air pollution, we must also address the broader negative consequences of the pandemic on society.

Vegetation coverage helped prevent and control air pollution

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on air pollution levels globally. While the pandemic caused widespread disruption to economies and livelihoods, it also led to a temporary reduction in air pollution. This was particularly evident in China, where the economic slowdown resulted in a notable decrease in air pollution. Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center observed an unprecedented drop in pollution levels, deviating from the typical patterns seen during the Lunar New Year celebrations.

Vegetation coverage has played a crucial role in preventing and controlling air pollution, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies have shown that vegetation and green spaces effectively reduce airborne pollutant concentrations, including particulate matter (PM). Vegetation acts as a natural barrier, trapping and capturing pollutants, thereby reducing their concentration in the air. This mechanism is known as deposition, where pollutants settle on plant leaves and surfaces.

The selection of plant species is vital in designing vegetation barriers for air pollution abatement. Different plant species exhibit varying levels of tolerance to air pollutants. For instance, in a study conducted in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, Cinnamomum camphora demonstrated the highest tolerance to air pollution based on the air pollution tolerance index (APTI). This index considers biochemical parameters such as relative water content, leaf extract pH, total chlorophyll, and ascorbic acid, as well as the dust-capturing potential of plants.

In urban areas, the impact of vegetation on air quality is significant. Vegetation barriers along roads, also known as "green screens," can effectively improve roadside air quality and reduce human exposure to traffic air pollutants. The choice of plant species for these barriers is crucial, as some species may emit volatile organic carbon (VOC) or biogenic volatile organic carbon (bVOC). The Urban Tree Air Quality Score (UTAQS) developed by Donovan et al. ranks tree species based on their potential for pollutant deposition versus VOC emissions, considering different tree coverage and temperature scenarios.

While the COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary reduction in air pollution due to decreased human activities, it also highlighted the importance of long-term solutions for cleaner air. Vegetation coverage and green spaces are essential components of sustainable urban planning, contributing to improved air quality and public health. By optimizing plant species selection, spatial setup, ventilation, and maintenance, we can enhance the reductive effects of vegetation on airborne pollutants and create healthier living environments.

The pandemic slowed down industrial production and transportation

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on industrial production and transportation, leading to a notable decrease in air pollution levels globally. The suspension of economic activities during the pandemic has resulted in a reduction of various air pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO, and NO2.

Industrial production, a major contributor to air pollution, came to a halt in many parts of the world due to lockdown measures and restrictions on movement. Factories and businesses closed their doors, leading to a significant drop in the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere. This was particularly evident in China, where the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic resulted in a significant improvement in air quality. Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center noted that the rates of pollution reduction during the pandemic were more pronounced and widespread than the usual decreases observed during the Lunar New Year celebrations.

Transportation, another key source of air pollution, was also drastically reduced during the pandemic. With people staying at home and travel restrictions in place, the movement of vehicles decreased significantly. This led to a decline in emissions from vehicles, particularly those related to the burning of fossil fuels. In analysed cities in India, for example, PM2.5 concentrations, which are largely attributed to traffic, decreased by up to 54%. Similarly, in EU cities, there was a decrease in NO2 levels, a pollutant predominantly associated with transportation.

The decrease in industrial production and transportation due to the pandemic has had a positive impact on air quality. However, it is important to recognise that the pandemic has also caused harm to health and livelihoods in other ways, as Burke from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center points out. Lost incomes, difficulties in accessing non-COVID-19-related healthcare, and the direct impact of the virus on those infected are all detrimental consequences of the pandemic.

Despite the complexities, the pandemic has provided an opportunity for researchers to study the relationship between human activities and air pollution. By analysing the changes in air quality during the slowdown of industrial production and transportation, scientists can gain valuable insights into the factors that contribute to air pollution and develop strategies to improve air quality in the future.

Frequently asked questions