Ching, J., & Kajino, M. (2020). Rethinking Air Quality and Climate Change after COVID-19. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(14), 5167. doi:10.3390/ijerph17145167

Michigan State University

- Since the COVID-19 outbreak, studies have shown that there has been an increase in visibility and overall air quality
- There is also evidence of a decrease in NO2 levels and an increase in ozone concentrations

Overview of Environmental Conditions Post-COVID-19 Outbreak

Air Quality and Climate Change Following the COVID-19 Pandemic

- COVID-19 is spread through air particles
- Particles carrying the virus can be expelled through exhalation, talking, sneezing and coughing
- The expelled particles travel in "ambient environments to different spatial extents" and have an atmospheric lifetime, which depends on: 1) the size of the particles, 2) air ventilation when indoors and the air movement outdoors, and 3) temperature and humidity

Airborne Transmission of COVID-19

- A few studies have indicated that cities with poorer air quality are prone to a higher death rate of COVID-19 than cleaner ones 
-  A few studies reported significantly improved air quality and visibility in many cities which is most likely due to the reduced emissions from things such as industrial productions, local transport, power generations and many other economic activities.
- There is also evidence of reduced NO2 emissions and PM2.5 and an increase in ozone concentrations, which is most likely due to the COVID-19 lockdowns in some major cities. 
- Some research suggests that COVID-19 RNA can also be found in feces and in the air after flushing for over 30 minutes

Air Quality and COVID-19

Decarbonization refers to the phasing out of carbon dioxide emission from the use of fossil fuels. The outbreak of COVID-19 led to a reduction in emission on a global scale. Such large reduction can provide some data and clues for the efficacy of global scale decarbonization. A 17% cut of daily global carbon dioxide emissions were reported in 2020 compared to 2019.

Decarbonization and COVID-19

- like COVID-19, a global problem such as climate change should utilize efforts from academic institutions, medical institutions, private corporates, governments and general public
- emergence of infectious disease can be enhanced by extreme weathers, therefore, close monitoring, effective international communication tool, and early warning systems of global pandemics should be developed
- shifting to a green economy to prevent future man-made disasters

Future Global Efforts for Climate Change Control

In order to reduce bankruptcies and address immediate human concerns, many rescue packages were put in effect during the pandemic. These packages may have a long term effect on climate change efforts, for example:
- some rescue packages cover emission-intensive firms such as airlines
- fossil fuel industries may request future tax breaks or bailouts due to loss

It is important that rescue packages are build on conditional terms to prevent long-term climate effects

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