Air Quality
Lockdown measures and changes in industrial production during the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to temporary improvement in air quality across the globe. Given the emerging research linking air pollution to increased COVID-19 mortality, this improvement in air quality may serve to reduce the mortality burden of COVID-19 (and air pollutant related deaths) worldwide. But will this air quality improvement persist long-term? And how might natural disasters, like recent wildfires in the United States, impact the COVID-19 pandemic?
Air Pollution and COVID-19 Mortality
Emerging research has identified a link between exposure to certain criteria air pollutants and increased COVID-19 mortality. This page will delve into the research and explore the disproportionate burden of air pollution and COVID-19 mortality across the globe.
Learn more about Air Pollution and Mortality
Many countries have enacted measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 since March 2020. Some of these measures such as lockdown have lead to a temporary reduction in air pollution. This page will look at how air pollution was impacted by these measures across the world.
Learn more about Air Policy and Impacts.
Long-Term Impacts of COVID-19 Lockdowns on Air Quality
The lockdown measures of COVID-19 decreased air pollution around the world, but can that better air quality last? This page explores the effects on air quality of the lockdown and what needs to happen to maintain these positive changes.
Learn more about Global Air.
Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19
Wildfire smoke contributes to particulate matter which can make breathing harder, particularly for those with asthma.
Learn more about Wildfire Smoke and COVID-19.