Coronavirus and Carbon Emissions

“The world’s carbon emissions plummet. Sadly, however, this remarkable plunge is involuntary.

This sudden drop in emissions of carbon dioxide—the chief culprit of global warming—stems from a calamitous cause.

The coronavirus outbreak in China, which has sickened at least 80,000 people, has shut down factories, refineries and flights across the country. Government orders: stay home.
A welcome result to a most unwelcome situation: Over the past three weeks, China’s carbon emissions have sunk 25 percent, compared to the same period last year.

Lesson to be learned? Whenever and wherever industrial activity declines, whether because of a recession or a pandemic, then climate pollution tends to plummet, also.

Devamrita Swami