Satellite images show cleaner European capitals from pollution due to coronavirus isolation

With the coronavirus pandemic spreading all over the world, the mandatory isolation of the population has allowed the planet to breathe, and similarly to what happened in China during its most critical period, now Europe is showing itself cleaner. pollution. As can be seen in the satellite images captured by Copernicus, there is a sharp reduction in large European capitals such as Paris, Madrid, Rome and even Lisbon.

Just as NASA had recorded images of reduced nitrogen dioxide emissions in China, scientists at the Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute (KNMI) used the Copernicus Sentinel satellite to monitor both weather and pollution around Europe. Nitrogen dioxide reductions are also noticeable in European cities, as can be seen on the map, during the same quarantine period as Covid-19.

Italy, Spain and France are the countries most affected by the coronavirus in Europe, noting a reduction in pollution in their capitals, but also in Milo, one of the Italian cities that most felt the pandemic. The images recorded correspond to a period of March 14-25 this year, when compared to the average concentrations in the same period of 2019. As explained by Henry Eskes of KNMI on the DASESA website, the concentrations of nitrogen dioxide vary from day to day due only changes in weather conditions. Therefore, conclusions cannot be reached based on just one day.

By combining data from a specific period, in this case 10 days, an average of the meteorological variation is achieved and we can see the impact of changes related to human activity, adds the scientist. According to him, the chemistry in the atmosphere is not linear.

To improve data on the impact of insulation on pollution reduction, scientists around the world are collaborating to make a more detailed analysis, using terrestrial, meteorological data, as well as inverse models that can interpret the observed concentrations.

it is also mentioned that other northern European countries are being monitored, such as the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, with new data expected soon.