Europe’s air TWICE as clean as it was before coronavirus as people forced to stay home, new satellite pics reveal
SATELLITE images show a dramatic reduction in air pollution as lockdowns remain in place across Europe.
Data released by the European Space Agency show nitrogen dioxide levels down by up to 45 percent over some cities in recent weeks.
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Pictures taken over the last month show nitrogen dioxide remaining at significant levels only over larger cities like Paris, Milan, and Frankfurt.
Images from the same period last year show the patches darker and also visible over Madrid, Rome, and Budapest.
Nitrogen dioxide is a chemical emitted by internal combustion engines such as those used in cars and in the production of fertilisers.
For humans, chronic exposure to can cause respiratory respiratory problems, particularly for those with preexisting conditions like asthma.
The data used in the pictures comes from research conducted by the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute.
The study found a 54 percent drop in the pollution over Paris and drops of between 47 and 49 percent in Madrid, Milan, and Rome.
The figures represent averages over the course of a month to account for short-term changes in human activity and interference from factors like weather.
The study didn't look at London, but the London Air Quality Network has said that pollution in the capital is currently at its lowest since records began in 2000.
The satellite images follow photos taken from Punjab, India in which the Himalayas - 125 miles away - are clearly visible.
Residents said it was the first time they had been able to see the mountain range from so far away for 30 years.
'NO FAST ROAD' OUT OF LOCKDOWN
The study comes after a warning from the World Health Organisation that there was "no fast road" out of current containment measures for Europe.
Speaking at a briefing today, regional director for Europe Dr Hans Kluge said: "The storm clouds of this pandemic still hang heavily over the European region.
"The next few weeks will be critical for Europe.
"Make no mistake, despite the spring weather, we are in the middle of a storm."
"There is no fast road back to normal."
The number of coronavirus cases across Europe is now nearing one million, though the number of new cases being confirmed each day has begun to plateau.
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Experts have said that, despite the progress being made under lockdowns, the continent will see infection rates rebound if measures are lifted too soon.
Speaking to Sky News today, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "We will not be returning straight back exactly how things were before.
"This will take time."
The coronavirus has infected over 2.1 million people and killed at least 136,000 globally since breaking out in December.
