Pandemic lockdowns slashed daily global emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) by 17%, researchers said on 19 May, in an assessment of how the crisis affected the global economy.
By April this year, CO2 emissions had plunged to 2006 levels, they said, adding that the findings could help shape policies on cutting emissions.
Calls are growing for the trillions of dollars in stimulus spending to be directed to green programmes to speed up the switch to lower pollution and create new jobs.
The multinational scientist group examined data from 69 nations responsible for 97% of mankind’s carbon emissions, and compared the CO2 drop compared with last year’s levels.
Carbon dioxide is the planet’s main greenhouse gas and the United Nations says emissions need to fall quickly this decade to keep warming well below 2 deg C above pre-industrial levels.
The study considered the impact of lockdowns and other restrictions on six sectors, including aviation and power generation from January to April. Transport, industry and power stations are the main sources of CO2 and air pollution.
Pre-pandemic, the global economy pumped out about 100 million tonnes of CO2 a day – far more than nature can absorb, leaving it accumulating in the atmosphere.
The authors found that nearly half the calculated drop in carbon emissions was the result of fewer vehicles on roads.
Aviation emissions also plunged by 60%, by early April. This made up 10% of the overall drop in CO2 emissions globally.
Emissions from the power generation sector fell 7.4%, while household emissions rose 2.8%, reflecting people staying at home worldwide as part of anti-virus measures.
This could include speeding up electrification of transport or using green hydrogen as a fuel, plus more support for walking and cycling as part of a vision for low-carbon, cleaner cities post-pandemic.
In total, daily CO2 emissions fell 17 million tonnes by early April.
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Source: The Straits Times, 20 May 2020