Climate change during the COVID-19 outbreak: scoping future perspectives.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Climate Science
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic's impact on climate change remains under-assessed.
• Previous disasters did not prelude climate change as rapidly as COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

• Critically assess the impact of COVID-19 on climate change.
• Elaborate on factors affecting climate change during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Utilized statistical data from NASA Earth Observatory, European Space Agency, and Global Carbon Project.
• Holistic approach examining natural, anthropogenic factors, ocean submesoscales, radiative forces, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Main Results:

• Observed environmental improvements during COVID-19 lockdowns, including better air and water quality.
• Significant decreases in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions due to reduced transportation, electricity demand, and industrial activity.
• Reduced noise pollution was also noted.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 lockdowns demonstrated a positive, albeit temporary, impact on climate and environmental quality.
• Policy recommendations include investing in green projects, promoting green energy, managing medical waste, and halting pollution funding to sustain environmental health post-pandemic.