The coronavirus pandemic could mean this year’s world carbon dioxide pollution output falls by the largest amount in over 70 years, according to a network of scientists examining emissions data. The carbon dioxide output could fall by more than 5 per cent year-on-year – the first dip since a 1.4 per cent reduction after the 2008 financial crisis. The fall in carbon dioxide comes as countries around the world have reported dramatic improvements in air quality due to the effect of shutdowns which have largely stopped travel and shut down industrial activity. Experts have warned without major structural reorganization of economies, the emissions declines caused by coronavirus could be short-lived.
By Harry Cockburn. Independent. April 3, 2020.
