Read: 2043
NEWS November 9, 2021
Pandemic-Driven Shifts in Global Atmospheric Dynamics Illuminate Climate-r Pollution Nexus
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent worldwide restrictions led to unprecedented reductions in travel and economic activities, resulting in sharp decreases in emissions. This abrupt change offered scientists a unique opportunity to observe the impact of emissions reductions on atmospheric conditions within weeks.
A comprehensive new study conducted through satellite data from NASA alongside other international space agencies reveals some surprising findings about how Earth’s atmosphere reacted. The survey highlights that climate warming and r pollution are intricately linked, demanding an integrated approach for their understanding and mitigation.
The study published November 9 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences investigates four atmospheric components following pandemic-related disruptions: the two primary greenhouse gases-carbon dioxide CO2 and methane-and two key pollutants-nitrogen oxides and microscopic nitrate particles.
Get NASA's Climate Change News: Subscribe to the Newsletter
Carbon Dioxide Dynamics
The most striking observation is that while CO2 emissions decreased by 5.4 in 2020, atmospheric concentrations of CO2 continued growing at a similar rate as preceding years, contrary to expectations. During previous economic disruptions like the 1973 oil crisis, there was an immediate impact on CO2 growth rates, notes David Schimel, head of JPL’s carbon group and co-author of the study. We did not anticipate this result.
The researchers utilized data from NASA's Earth Observing System to analyze how global emissions changes affected atmospheric CO2 levels. They found that factors such as industrial production and transportation were key drivers during pandemic shutdowns and their subsequent recovery, influencing CO2 dynamics.
r Pollution Insights
Complementary findings on nitrogen oxides NOx highlighted the intricate link between economic activity and r quality. Despite reduced travel and industrial output during lockdowns, NOx emissions rebounded quickly to near pre-pandemic levels by late 2020. This suggests that mntning economic productivity even at a reduced capacity necessitated a certn level of emissions for essential industries.
Methane Fluxes
Chronic methane leaks from oil refineries were notably higher in California and Texas than initially anticipated, indicating the potential for underestimated sources contributing to global warming. However, more promising findings emerged from Alaska, where fires sparked by hot weather altered carbon emission patterns from tundra regions.
Geographic Disparities
The study also emphasized geographic disparities in heat wave impacts across California. For instance, different areas experienced varying degrees of humidity and temperature changes, underscoring the need for tlored adaptation strategies based on local climate conditions.
Sustnability Insights
As emissions started to return near pre-pandemic levels following economic recovery, the study provided insights into achieving a lower-emissions future sustnably. It suggested that significant permanent reductions in industrial and residential sectors' emissions will require technology transitions rather than simply decreasing activity.
Implications for Global Climate Action
The findings underscored the need for integrated approaches to climate mitigation and adaptation strategies while highlighting the importance of technological innovation for sustnable development. They also emphasized the significance of understanding regional disparities in climate impacts when formulating global environmental policies.
In summary, this study offers a nuanced perspective on how pandemic-driven shifts in economic activities influenced atmospheric dynamics across different dimensions such as greenhouse gas emissions and r quality. It underscores the complexity of these interactions and calls for an integrated approach to address climate change effectively.
Media Contact
Jane J. Lee Ian J. O'Neill
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.
818-354-0307 818-354-2649
[email protected] [email protected]
Related Stories
Methane 'hot spots' in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta were more likely to occur where recent wildfires burned into tundra ecosystems, changing carbon emissions dynamics.
NASA's upcoming NISAR mission will enable researchers to explore how shifts in Earth’s forest and wetland ecosystems are impacting global carbon cycles and influencing climate change.
The onboard greenhouse gas detector from the NASA-built Carbon Mapper pinpoint and measure methane and carbon dioxide sources globally with unprecedented accuracy.
This website is produced by the Earth Science Communications Team at
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory California Institute of Technology
This article is reproduced from: https://climate.nasa.gov/news/3129/emission-reductions-from-pandemic-had-unexpected-effects-on-atmosphere/
Please indicate when reprinting from: https://www.07nm.com/Pan_entertainment_video/Pandemic_Climate_Effects_Study_Atlpheric_Dynamics_NASA.html
Pandemic Driven Changes in Global Atmosphere Nexus of Climate Air Pollution Shifts COVIDs Impact on Atmospheric Dynamics CO2 Growth Rates Contrary to Expectations Economic Activitys Role in Air Quality Geographical Disparities in Heat Impacts