VERIFY: What impact has coronavirus had on the environment?

Just in time for Earth Day, the Verify team looked into the environmental impacts of the coronavirus. Emissions are way down, but experts say it's unlikely to last.

WASHINGTON — Question:

Has the coronavirus had an impact on the environment?

Answer:

Absolutely. Various experts told the Verify team that air pollution and carbon emissions are significantly down. However, the changes are unlikely to last past the pandemic.

Sources:

Dr. Bryan N. Duncan: Atmospheric Scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Simon Evans: Climate Journalist for Carbon Brief

Peter DeCarlo: Johns Hopkins University

Process:

The streets surrounding the Capitol are usually bustling with cars and tourists. But during the coronavirus pandemic, the streets remain mostly empty.

The same can be said about communities across the country, from Bourbon Street in New Orleans to Times Square in New York City. As emissions plummet, it only makes sense that the air quality would improve.

To find out whether this premise is true, the Verify team spoke with three experts on the subject, starting with Dr. Bryan Duncan, an atmospheric scientist at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

Duncan said the impacts of this pandemic can literally be seen from space. He shared a satellite image of the Northeastern section of the United States, measuring nitrogen dioxide levels this past March compared to past years; emissions were down by roughly 30%.

"That's a huge drop," Duncan said.

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