Overview
Sometimes nature presents itself as a laboratory, where scientists can study results that are far more broad-based than any test they could set up in a controlled environment. COVID-19 “shutdowns” offered such an opportunity, when large geographic areas reduced activity to stop the spread of COVID-19. Scientists are studying the impacts on air quality, looking for lessons that could have broader significance for policies to slow climate change.
Instructions
Write a 1-2 page paper using the following instructions:
Select one of the following articles to read:
Paul Villeneuve. September 2020. Methodological Considerations for Epidemiological Studies of Air Pollution and the SARS and COVID-19 Coronavirus Outbreaks.
- Yasin Elshorbany. February 2021. The Status of Air Quality in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Remote Sensing Perspective.
Maya Kumari. June 2021. Multivariate and Spatial Analysis of Reduced Urban Air Pollution During COVID-19 Pandemic in Delhi.
- Nidhi Verma. July 10, 2021. Profound Implications of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown on the Earth’s Ecosystem: A Case Study Using Remote Sensing Data.
Summarize the conclusions in the article in your own words. Support the summary with references to the article.
Analyze whether or not the article provides insights into possible solutions to climate change. Support the insights with evidence from the article or other resources.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the scientific community has been observing the impact of lockdowns on the environment. The shutdowns have allowed scientists to study the role of human activities in air pollution and climate change. This paper aims to summarize and analyze one of the articles related to air quality during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Summary:
The article selected for this paper is “Multivariate and Spatial Analysis of Reduced Urban Air Pollution During COVID-19 Pandemic in Delhi” by Maya Kumari, published in June 2021. The article examines the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on air pollution levels in Delhi, one of the most polluted cities in the world. The study used data from air quality monitoring stations and meteorological stations to assess the changes in air quality during the lockdown period. The research found that there was a significant reduction in air pollutants, including NO₂, PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, and SO₂, during the lockdown period. The study also revealed that the lockdown period’s impact on air quality was dependent on several factors, including the time of day, the location of the monitoring station, and the meteorological conditions.
Insights for Possible Solutions to Climate Change:
The article offers insights into possible solutions to climate change by highlighting the link between human activities and air quality. The research demonstrates that reducing human activities, such as transportation and industrial activities, can lead to a significant reduction in air pollution levels. Therefore, policymakers need to focus on adopting sustainable policies that prioritize the environment’s health over economic growth. For instance, investing in public transportation, encouraging work from home, and using renewable energy sources can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the article by Maya Kumari provides valuable insights into the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on air quality in Delhi. The research shows that reducing human activities can lead to a significant reduction in air pollution levels, which can have long-term benefits for the environment. The study’s findings support the need for policymakers to prioritize sustainable policies that aim to promote a cleaner environment. The findings of this research have potential implications for addressing climate change challenges globally.
