NASA
Saturday, June 6, 2020
UPDATimes - Satellite photos show a dramatic decline in pollution levels across China that is "at least in part" due to the economic downturn caused by the corona virus, said the US space agency, NASA.
NASA maps show a drop in nitrogen dioxide levels this year.
This came to light when the intensity of factory activities in China declined to a record because many factory owners stopped production in order to prevent the spread of the new corona virus, aka Covid-19.
China has recorded nearly 80,000 cases of Covid-19 since the outbreak last year.
The virus has spread to more than 50 countries, but the majority of cases and deaths are in China - where the virus originated late last year.
NASA scientists say the reduction in the level of nitrogen dioxide - gas emitted by motor vehicles and factory chimneys - was first seen near the source of the outbreak, Wuhan City, but then spread to various parts of the country.
To be clearer, NASA compared satellite photos from January to February 2019 with the same period this year.
NASA
The space agency noted that the reduction in pollution levels coincided with millions of people in quarantine and restrictions on business activities and transportation.
"This is the first time I've witnessed a drastic decline in such a large area for a specific event," said Fei Liu, air quality researcher from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.
He added, he had observed a decrease in the level of nitrogen dioxide during the economic recession in 2008. However, the decline in that period was gradual.
NASA also noted Chinese New Year celebrations in late January and early February are usually associated with decreasing levels of pollution. And usually, these levels increase once the Chinese New Year celebration is finished.
"This year the rate of decline is more significant than in previous years and lasts longer," Liu said.
"I am not surprised because many cities across the country have implemented measures to minimize the spread of the virus," he said.
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