Record reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as a result of the Corona epidemic

The Coronavirus epidemic has led to drastic changes in lifestyles around the world and reduced the mobility of people compared to the past.

Millions or billions of people are now spending more time indoors and cars are running less on the roads, planes have been grounded and energy use has dropped dramatically.

So it's not surprising that as a result, we have the opportunity to breathe in somewhat clean air.

A study published in the journal Nature Climate Change examined the extent to which the outbreak has had a global impact on toxic carbon dioxide emissions.

Using government policies and activity data from around the world, it is estimated that by the end of April 2020, the rate of toxic gas emissions has decreased by 17% compared to the same period in 2019.

Pep Kendal, head of the Global Carbon Project and part of the research team, said the reduction could be equivalent to 18.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

The study collected energy, activity, and policy data from 69 countries, including China, the United States, Europe, and India.

The research team then examined the impact of measures taken on the coronavirus epidemic, such as lockdowns or other carbon emissions.

The analysis also included transportation and traffic data from around the world, and the results showed that the lack of vehicles actually showed the biggest reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, at 36 percent or 8.3 tons per day.

The research team said that as a result of the epidemic, the emission rate of toxic gases reached the level of 2006
And it is estimated that emissions this year will be 4 to 7.5 percent lower than last year if some restrictions remain in place until the end of the year.

Toxic gas emissions fall near Paris climate targets, but researchers say changes will be temporary
Because no fundamental changes have been made to the economy, transport, or energy system, but to the prevention of the epidemic.

"Unless we all commit to staying at home for the next decade, achieving the Paris climate goals will not be possible," he said.

Scientists say the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is significant but also poses a challenge to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
We need changes to the system, such as green energy and electric vehicles, not temporary sanctions.

Earlier, the International Energy Agency said in a report that global emissions of toxic greenhouse gases were expected to fall by about 8% this year as a result of lockdowns and other sanctions in various countries. Which is also the biggest shortcoming in history.

According to the report, lockdowns to prevent coronavirus worldwide have resulted in an 'unprecedented' reduction in the use of conventional fuels.

"The historic reduction in toxic gas emissions is the result of an epidemic, meaning people are dying and countries are experiencing economic shocks," said Faith Barroll, executive director of the International Energy Agency.

In fact, a steady reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is possible not with a painful lockdown but with the right energy and climate policies.

According to the International Energy Agency, in mid-April, fuel consumption in many countries was 17 to 25 percent lower than in the same period last year, due to factory closures, people not going to offices and flights being suspended.

According to the agency, several governments are now in the process of easing the ban, which has already taken place in China, while some states are set to open businesses in the United States. However, global carbon dioxide emissions this year are expected to be 2.6 billion tonnes, down 8% from 2019.