Daily global greenhouse gas emissions declined 17 percent by early April compared to 2019 levels due to coronavirus-related shutdowns around the world, according to new research published in the journal Nature Climate Change. Daily emissions from cars and trucks fell 36 percent, and aviation emissions declined by 60 percent.
If nations start to reopen and experience pre-crisis levels of activity by mid-June, total annual CO2 emissions may likely decline 4 percent by the end of the year. If restrictions continue until the end of 2020, total global emissions could decline by 7 percent.
The study, led by a team of scientists in Europe and the United States, analyzed emissions estimates for three levels of coronavirus shutdowns and across six sectors of the economy. The researchers examined trends in 69 countries, 50 U.S. states, and 30 Chinese provinces, representing 85 percent of the world’s population and 97 percent of global CO2 emissions.
Read more at Yale Environment 360
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