Coronavirus: Satellite data shows Italy's pollution plummet amid COVID-19 lockdown

[rpannier]

Newly released satellite images show how Italy's coronavirus lockdown has prompted pollution to plummet, according to the European Space Agency (ESA).

The animation, compiled using data from the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite, shows a reduction in the north of the country.

Rome locked down northern towns at the centre of Italy's outbreak in late February, before extending it nationwide last week.

“The decline in nitrogen dioxide emissions over the Po Valley in northern Italy is particularly evident," said Claus Zehner, ESA's Sentinel-5P mission manager.

video at link
https://www.euronews.com/2020/03/14/coronavirus-satellite-data-shows-italy-s-pollution-plummet-amid-covid-19-lockdown

[BigmanPigman]

1. And the canals in Venice are clear.

I think that is partially due to inactivity churning up the water though.

[ansible]

2. It's almost as if the planet itself is reacting to a contagion on its surface

Something to think about

[Maraya1969]

4. It's almost as if the planet is saying, "Deal with this while I clean the place up"

[lunatica]

3. The silver lining.

The pollution from cars and airplanes has been reduced immensely and it will be beneficial.

Who knows, maybe commuting from home will catch on and become the new normal. The planet will benefit, even if we don’t.