Daily carbon emissions down by a sixth during lockdown, says study

DAILY carbon emissions dropped by more than a sixth around the world at the height of the coronavirus lockdown, research has suggested.

However, the “extreme” reduction in emissions is “likely to be temporary”, said Professor of Climate Change Science Corinne Le Quere, of the University of East Anglia.

Daily emissions decreased by 17% - or 17 million tonnes of carbon dioxide - globally during the peak of the confinement measures in early April compared to mean daily levels in 2019, the study indicated.

These levels were last observed in 2006.

Emissions from surface transport such as car journeys account for almost half (43%) of the decrease in global emissions during peak confinement on April 7, according to the study, published in the journal Nature Climate Change.

Emissions from industry and from power together account for a further 43% of the decrease in daily global emissions.

Aviation is the economic sector most impacted by the lockdown, but it only accounts for 3% of global emissions, or 10% of the decrease in emissions during the pandemic, researchers said.

The increase in the use of residential buildings from people working at home only marginally offset the drop in emissions from other sectors.

Prof Le Quere, who led the analysis, said: “Population confinement has led to drastic changes in energy use and CO2 emissions.

“These extreme decreases are likely to be temporary though, as they do not reflect structural changes in the economic, transport, or energy systems.

“The extent to which world leaders consider climate change when planning their economic responses post Covid-19 will influence the global CO2 emissions paths for decades to come.

“Opportunities exist to make real, durable changes and to be more resilient to future crises, by implementing economic stimulus packages that also help meet climate targets, especially for mobility, which accounts for half the decrease in emissions during confinement.

“For example, in cities and suburbs, supporting walking and cycling, and the uptake of electric bikes, is far cheaper and better for wellbeing and air quality than building roads.”