LOS ANGELES - Stay at home orders, thousands of flight cancellations, and an overall decline in global trade and commerce due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be having a positive impact on the environment.
This trend was first observed earlier in the year when the COVID-19 outbreak impacted residents in Wuhan, China. Quarantine protocols were put into place, such as businesses and transportation to and from the area being shut down, to help stop the virus’ spread.
Based on data and maps provided by NASA’s Earth Observatory, levels of nitrous dioxide, or NO2, decreased significantly in the Wuhan region from January through February.