The majority of us feel the consequences of the Coronavirus outbreak that is spreading across the world. The countries enforcing self, regional quarantine or, even total lockdowns are increasing day by day following the increase of people infected. It seems to be, and it is tough to stay positive and expect all this to have a positive outcome on the future when no one has any answers about it. But, scientists, at last, report a positive development, even if it might not be what we might expect.
The European Space Agency (ESA), alongside with some independent researchers, nitrogen dioxide emissions have significantly dropped over Italy after the lockdown compelled by the spread of COVID-19.
The Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite noticed a drop in NO2 emissions, indicating the decrease in air pollution, with the most noticeable change pointed in the northern part of the country, the region that it's most affected by the coronavirus.
"The decline in nitrogen dioxide emissions over the Po Valley in northern Italy is particularly evident," Claus Zehner, ESA's Copernicus Sentinel-5P mission manager, stated. "Although there could be slight variations in the data due to cloud cover and changing weather, we are very confident that the reduction in emissions that we can see, coincides with the lockdown in Italy causing less traffic and industrial activities."
Scientists and researchers are reporting a significant drop in NO2 levels above Italy.
"Copernicus Sentinel-5P Tropomi has the biggest accuracy to assess air is the most accurate instrument today that measures air pollution from space. These measurements, globally available thanks to the free and open data policy, provide important information for people and governments," said Josef Aschbacher, ESA's Director of Earth Observation Programmes.
With less NO2 traces on February 24.
Santiago Gassó, a research associate at NASA, took to Twitter to report on the results of the satellite sensor. He also explained that while fluctuating NO2 emissions are entirely reasonable, considering that they differ under such factors as the day of the week, this observed change was significant.
And a significant decrease in March
The map showcases NO2 pollution levels on February 8, Saturday
While this one shows the pollution levels on Saturday, March 7
Data presented by the European Space Agency (ESA) that shows the same tendency
Watch below the time-lapse from ESA.
Italians have also noted the change in the environment.
Venice once extremely polluted canals became crystal clear as a quarantine result.
All photo credits to: SanGasso and FolinAlberto
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