Satellite images released by NASA have shown a dramatic decline in pollution levels over mainland China, which is "at least partly" due to an economic slowdown caused by the outbreak of the corona virus, the American space agency says.
Pollution monitoring satellites of NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) have found significant reduction in levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) over China. The fall in levels of Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)—comes by burning of fossil fuels in vehicles—became first visible over Wuhan city, the epicenter of corona virus, but later began to spread across the country.
Scientists at NASA had noted gradual declines in nitrogen dioxide levels during the 2008 global financial crisis, and also when the Beijing Olympics was held in the same year.
China has more than 85,000 confirmed cases of corona virus and suffered at least 2,943 deaths since the outbreak began in December. Quarantines and lockdowns have forced a number of Chinese people to stay inside. As the economic activities slowed down across China, businesses and production plummeted, and air pollution levels, too, declined.
Comparing the first two months of 2019 with the same period this year, NASA observed a significant decline in air pollution levels due to restrictions placed on transportation and business activities.
"This is the first time I have seen such a dramatic drop-off over such a wide area for a specific event," Fei Liu, an air quality researcher at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, said in a news release.
Liu said that he had seen a drop in pollution levels in several countries during the 2008 economic recession, but the decrease had been gradual.
China had reported improved air quality on the lunar New Year's Eve as strict bans on fireworks were imposed in cities like Beijing and Tianjin. Fireworks are a major part of Lunar New Year festivities in February, according to the traditional Chinese calendar. Both cities still allow fireworks in suburban districts where population is less dense. However, pollution levels normally rebound once the celebrations are over.