Coronavirus slowdown seen from space

What a fascinating topic!

Yes, the slowdown of human activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been visible from space. Satellite imagery has captured the changes in human behavior, which have had a significant impact on the environment.

Here are some examples:

  1. Reduced air pollution: With fewer cars on the road and reduced industrial activity, air pollution has decreased in many parts of the world. Satellites like NASA's Terra and Aqua have detected a significant drop in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels over cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Beijing.
  2. Less light pollution: As people stay indoors, cities have become less illuminated at night. Satellites like the Suomi NPP and the European Space Agency's (ESA) Sentinel-2 have captured the reduced light pollution in cities like Tokyo, Paris, and New York.
  3. Changes in traffic patterns: Satellites like DigitalGlobe and Planet Labs have monitored the reduction in traffic congestion in cities like London, Tokyo, and New York. This has led to a decrease in the number of vehicles on the road, resulting in reduced air pollution and noise pollution.
  4. Increased vegetation growth: With reduced human activity, vegetation has had a chance to grow and thrive. Satellites like NASA's Landsat 8 and the ESA's Sentinel-2 have detected increased vegetation growth in areas like the Amazon rainforest, the Congo Basin, and the Great Barrier Reef.
  5. Reduced carbon emissions: The slowdown in economic activity has led to a reduction in carbon emissions. Satellites like NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO-2) have detected a decrease in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere.

These changes are not only visible from space but also have significant implications for the environment and human health. The reduced air pollution, for example, has led to improved air quality, which can help reduce the risk of respiratory diseases.

As the world continues to navigate the pandemic, it's essential to recognize the unintended consequences of reduced human activity on the environment. By monitoring these changes from space, we can better understand the impact of human behavior on the planet and work towards a more sustainable future.