Unexpected Effect of COVID-19... 7% Decrease in Greenhouse Gas Emissions Compared to Previous Year

This Year’s Carbon Dioxide Emissions Decreased by About 2.4 Billion Tons Compared to Last Year
Climate Change Expert, "Pandemic Raised Awareness of Climate Change"

On November 19th (local time), the streets of Adelaide, Australia, appeared deserted due to lockdown measures. Adelaide (Australia) = EPA Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporters Kim Suhwan and Naju Seok] Due to the reduction in people's mobility caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), carbon dioxide emissions this year have significantly decreased compared to the previous year. There are calls to make this year the inaugural year for global environmental recovery, using this event as an opportunity.

On the 10th (local time), the Associated Press (AP) cited the environmental nonprofit organization 'Global Carbon Project,' reporting that carbon dioxide emissions this year have decreased by 7% compared to last year, marking the largest decline ever recorded since observations began. According to this study, the total carbon dioxide emissions this year are expected to reach 34 billion tons, which is about 2.4 billion tons less than last year's 36.4 billion tons.

By continent, emissions in the United States and Europe decreased by 12% and 11%, respectively. In contrast, China’s emissions were observed to have decreased by only 1.7%. Karin Le Quere, a researcher at the University of East Anglia who participated in this study, analyzed, "In China's case, early lockdown measures were implemented at the beginning of the year, and since a second wave did not occur, no additional lockdowns were imposed, resulting in little change in carbon emissions."

The AP cited the cause of the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions as the decrease in emissions from transportation means such as automobiles and airplanes, due to people staying at home.

Although carbon dioxide emissions have noticeably decreased, there are also concerns that fundamental measures must be devised to solve climate change issues. Researcher Le Quere stated, "The reduction in carbon emissions during the COVID-19 pandemic is only a temporary phenomenon," adding, "Lockdown measures that restrict people's mobility cannot be a solution to climate change."

Experts agree that the social changes brought about by COVID-19 may provide opportunities to address climate change issues in the long term.

Chris Field, director of the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, said, "With the spread of telecommuting culture, people feel less need for business trips than before, and it is expected that unnecessary outings or travel will decrease even after the pandemic." He added, "Due to these social changes, carbon emissions are expected to continue to decrease. This year has served as a wake-up call for our society regarding climate change."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.