COVID-19 lockdown gave a boost to India’s fight against Climate Change: Study

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the world’s social and economic landscape and left a profound mark on the environment. A recent study published in the International Journal of Environment and Climate Change has explored the significant impact of the pandemic’s lockdown measures on air quality, waste management, and noise pollution, offering valuable insights into the broader implications for society and the planet. 

The study titled “An Overview-Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic on Climate Change in India” begins by delving into the alterations in air quality that took place during a three-week lockdown in Delhi and Kolkata, illustrating how pollutants exhibited substantial reductions. It highlights the decline in toxic pollutants and the unexpected rise in ozone levels, emphasizing the potential for enhancing air quality through rigorous monitoring and regulation. 

Lockdown Effects on Air Quality in Delhi and Kolkata

During a three-week lockdown in Delhi starting on March 24, 2020, various pollutants, including PM10, PM2.5, CO, and NO2, significantly decreased. The study says that PM10 and PM2.5 levels saw substantial reductions of approximately -51.84% and -53.11%, with PM2.5 declining by -62.61% and -59.74% across monitoring stations.

Toxic pollutants experienced pronounced reductions, notably -52.68% in NO2 and -30.35% in CO compared to the prior period. The study observed similar trends in Kolkata, with PM10 decreasing by 8.94% and a 19.46% reduction in NO2 levels within the vegetation. However, not all pollutants fell significantly; SO2 and NH3 dropped by -17.97% and -12.33%, respectively. Ozone showed a slight +0.78% increase, not statistically significant. A similar trend occurred in Kolkata, with a 9.73% increase in April 2020 due to decreased nitric oxide levels from low ozone-emitting technologies.

The increase in ozone in Kolkata during lockdown was unexpected. The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) showed a significant improvement during this period, with mechanical and residential areas experiencing -59.45% (net reduction NAQI: 128.0) and -52.92% (net reduction NAQI: 103.93) improvements. These results highlight the potential for enhancing air quality through stringent monitoring and regulation.

These findings may inform improved pollution control practices, advanced visualization, and more accurate quality assessments for better well-being and environmental conditions.

The study analyzed the impact of the lockdown on air quality from March 3 to April 14, 2020, which showed a significant improvement in air quality just one day after the lockdown commenced on March 25, 2020. By the fourth day of the lockdown (March 27, 2020), the National Air Quality Index (NAQI) exhibited a 51% reduction compared to data from the third day of the lockdown (March 21, 2020). Throughout the isolation period, there was a substantial 43% decrease in NAQI (April 4-14, 2020) compared to the three weeks leading up to the lockdown (April 3-21, 2020).

Remarkably, significant declines in NAQI were observed in the central, east, west, south, and north areas of NCT Delhi, with reductions of approximately 54%, 49%, 43%, 37%, and 31%, respectively. These reductions were closely linked to changes in pollutant concentrations, especially PM10, PM2.5, NO2, and CO. However, after two weeks of lockdown, a slight increase in NAQI was noted on April 7 and 14, 2020, attributed to the resumption of essential vehicular activities, operation of thermal power plants, and industrial processes in northern Indian cities.

Environmental Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown

Air Quality

The study says one notable positive consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the substantial improvement in air quality in major cities worldwide. Government lockdown measures restricted industrial activities and vehicular emissions, resulting in lower levels of pollutants in the atmosphere. Research indicates that nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions in various countries, including China, Italy, France, Spain, and the United States, have decreased significantly during the lockdown. In some cases, air quality has improved by over 30%. The reduction in pollutants such as PM10, PM2.5, carbon monoxide, and NO2 has positively impacted public health, potentially reducing deaths caused by air pollution-related illnesses.

Waste Management

Waste generation and management during the COVID-19 pandemic have become significant concerns. The study states that medical waste, including disposable masks and gloves, has increased substantially. These single-use personal protective equipment contribute to a growing waste problem, especially in developing countries. Proper disposal of medical waste is crucial to prevent environmental contamination and the spread of diseases. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity for sustainable waste management solutions.

Noise Levels

The lockdown measures and reduced economic activity also led to a decrease in noise pollution. With people staying at home, transportation and industrial activities stopped, resulting in quieter urban environments. This reduction in noise pollution can have immediate and long-term benefits for public health, including reduced stress levels and improved sleep quality for residents of urban areas, the study observed.

Broader Implications for Society and the Planet

The study says that from an environmental perspective, the pandemic offers valuable insights into how human activities impact the planet. The lockdown measures forced a temporary reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. This period provides a glimpse of what could be achieved with concerted global efforts to reduce emissions and combat climate change. The experience underscores the urgency of transitioning to more sustainable and environmentally responsible practices across various sectors, such as transportation and energy production.

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