This article discusses the connection between the COVID-19 pandemic and environmental pollution. Countries all over the world have implemented lockdowns to mitigate the spread of the virus, which has ultimately revealed some positive effects on the natural environment. After analyzing data released by NASA and ESA, pollution in many of the epicenters of COVID-19 has been reduced up to 30%. The transportation industry was one of the hardest-hit sectors due to global lockdowns, as people were not allowed to, or were hesitant to, travel. In fact, air travel dropped by 96% due to COVID-19, its lowest numbers in 75 years. In addition to the transport sector, industrial and manufacturing businesses were heavily affected by the pandemic. As these businesses came to a worldwide halt, the global oil demand and prices declined, ultimately providing a negative impact on the world economy. However, the lack of activities have also contributed to pollution reduction due to limited social and economic activities. This article also provides figures representing the decrease of nitrogen dioxide emissions in China, Spain, France, Italy, and the United States. While the pandemic may be a “blessing in disguise” due to the reduction of pollution and how nature is reclaiming itself, it is important to recognize that these positive impacts will be temporary.
