Is the Environment Getting Better Due to the Coronavirus Outbreak?

Claims that the Coronavirus outbreak has caused rivers to clear in Venice and pollution levels to reduce in China and Italy have been circulating online.

Here's an unexpected side effect of the pandemic – the water's flowing through the canals of Venice is clear for the first time in forever. The fish are visible, the swans returned. pic.twitter.com/2egMGhJs7f

— Kaveri 🇮🇳 (@ikaveri) March 16, 2020

Not that the virus is a good thing, but pollution levels have dropped since countries have been shutting down. Mother nature said, "Fine, I'll do it myself." pic.twitter.com/PpbtNsxH8o

— Monique (@itsMJ99) March 16, 2020

Just how valid are these claims?

Background

As of March 19, 2020, there are 221,268 Coronavirus cases with 8,987 deaths and 85,782 recovering patients. Out of the world’s 195 countries, 164 countries have confirmed cases.

Many countries have declared states of emergencies and closed down their borders, forcing the public to stay their homes. Drastic measures have been taken as airports have been shut down and travel restrictions by air, sea and land have been imposed by many authorities.

Public events have also been cancelled as group gatherings (more than 10 people) continue being discouraged in many states.

Verification

It is true that China’s pollution levels have been reduced as confirmed by satellite images released by NASA and the European Space Agency have proven there has been a dramatic reduction in nitrogen dioxide emissions.

According to the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), from February 3^rd to March 1^st, CO₂ emissions were down in China by 25% because of the measures to contain the virus. Automobiles have not been driven, power plants and industrial facilities have been closed down. It is worth noting that China is the world’s biggest polluter as it contributes 30% of CO₂ emissions annually.

However, regarding clear rivers in Venice, the claims are somewhat true. It is true that the water appears to be clearer, but nevertheless water quality has not been improved.

“The water now looks clearer because there is less traffic on the canals, allowing the sediment to stay at the bottom… the air, however, is less polluted since there are less vaporetti (canal boats) and boat traffic than usual because of the restricted movement of residents” (Venice mayor office). 

Verdict

Claims that the Coronavirus outbreak has caused the environment to get better are true to a certain extent as air pollution levels have been reduced temporarily due to countries restrictions.