Staying at Home is Improving Our Air Quality. Here Are The Photos to Prove it.

By: Andrea Arias-Zarate

As more families stay home during the pandemic, there have been fewer cars and buses on the roads. This phenomenon has led to a decline in air pollution and improved air quality in cities globally. In New York City, there has been a 50 percent drop in carbon monoxide and a 25 percent reduction in China.

On the left is a typical Los Angeles downtown skyline filled with smoke and fog. Towards the right is a recent picture of LA in March 2020. Because of the shelter-in-place order, one of the most polluted cities in the U.S. had lower nitrogen dioxide levels in the first two weeks of March this year compared to last year. Los Angeles skies are now bluer as a result.

Not only that, but water pollution has decreased as well. Usually, the canals in Venice, Italy are packed with tourists and boat traffic. Yet, once the lockdown began, Venice canals have been emptier. As a result, the channels are clearer; sediment rests on the canal floors, and the water is no longer cloudy. You could also now see the seaweed due to its crystal-like transparency.

New Delhi’s India Gate war memorial on October 17, 2019(left) compared to April 8, 2019(right). Delhi’s air quality index(AQI) levels are averagely around 200 on a good day, with a level of 900 at its peak last year. Now, Delhi has a standard AQI of 30.

London, England May 6, 2017(left) and on April 4, 2020(right). This year, London has had reductions of microscopic particulate matter, also known as PM 2.5, which pollutes the air and can be harmful. In April 2020, Downtown London’s skylines have become substantially noticeable.