The lockdown measures introduced by most European countries to reduce transmission of COVID-19 in 2020 led to significant reductions in emissions of air pollutants, particularly from road transport, aviation, and international shipping. We have witnessed a slowdown of normal activities, which had a significant impact on air quality.
Air pollution can influence human vulnerability and susceptibility to the disease. A report released by the European Environment Agency (EEA) in November 2020 describes the possible role of air pollution in influencing the transmission of a novel coronavirus like severe acute respiratory diseases. It continues to have a significant impact on the health of the urban population. There are considerable economic impacts, reducing life expectancy, increasing medical costs, and reducing productivity through working days lost across various economic sectors.
The report shows the effect of lockdown measures. It mainly highlights that even though the extent of human activities varied in different towns and cities, air quality saw a sharp drop of approximately 60% in some cases.
The report clearly highlights the changes in air quality from 2018 to 2019 in PM10 (Particulate Matter), PM2.5, O3 (Ozone), NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide), BaP (Benzo(a)pyrene), and SO2 (sulfur dioxide).
Was Lockdown A Glimpse Into A Green Future?
The fluctuations in air quality due to the Covid-19 pandemic showcase a clear link between our actions and their effects on the environment. Our lifestyles have a direct impact on the ecosystems that surround us.
Actions and Reactions
So what did we do differently in the lockdowns? Here’s a quick recap:
- Economic activities were temporarily suspended. This led to a huge decrease in private vehicles on the roads.
- Several businesses and industrial activities were temporarily shut down or reduced.
That’s not to say that the onus is purely on citizens. Authorities have a lot to do as well.
The EEA report also stated that more than 50% of the respondents of the latest Eurobarometer on air quality believe that public authorities are not doing enough to promote better air quality. Most respondents were of the opinion that in order to tackle air pollution, we need stricter policies and controls on industrial and energy production activities.
Some of the proposed measures include:
- Identifying low-emission zones with respect to transportation
- Opting for greener public transport options
- Promoting cycling and walking
- Introducing car-sharing schemes
- Issuing congestion charges
- Introducing cleaner fuels for residential heating
- Finding methods to reduce energy consumption via insulation of buildings and other options
- Regulating construction and demolition activities
Even though the report only covers the European cities and towns during lockdowns, we are gaining a better understanding of the ramifications of reducing our carbon footprint — ie a drastic reduction in air pollution!
The pandemic has taught us a valuable lesson. The numbers in the EEA report provide clarity and give us a concrete path towards a green future. It has made us acknowledge the fact that our actions impact our surroundings directly. It shows us how important our decisions are to the overall ecology. To make a serious difference in the world, it is necessary to opt for effective solutions in our daily lives.
Yet, we continue to exploit natural resources unabated and degrade the ecosystems that sustain us without any thought. And it’s only environmental resilience that continues to surprise us. It is the gift that keeps on giving.
The glimpse of a green future should serve as an inspiration for us to do better for ourselves, for the environment, and for the greater good.
The time for action is NOW!
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