News

OMI detected SO2 change over India after national lockdown

India recently became the world’s largest emitter of sulfur dioxide (SO2). The highest SO2 levels are over eastern India and primarily associated with electricity generation. Other sources in India include the ceramicsindustry.

Pandemic Before and After: Los Angeles 2015-2019 versus 2020

On March 19, California was one of the first states to set mandatory stay-at-home restrictions in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. Arizona and Nevada followed suit around April 1.

Nitrogen Dioxide Levels Rebound in China

In early February 2020, scientists using NASA and European satellites detected a significant reduction in a key air pollutant over China after the country shut down transportation and much of its economy. Three months later, with most coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdowns ending in China and economic activity resuming, the levels of nitrogen dioxide over the country have returned to near normal for this time of year. Scientists expected this rebound.

Pandemic Before and After: South Asia: 2017-2019 versus 2020

On March 24, 2020, Prime Minister Modi ordered a nationwide stay-at-home order for India’s 1.3 billion citizens in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Pandemic Before and After: Southeast US: 2015-2019 versus 2020

Over the past several weeks, the Southeast U.S. has seen significant reductions in air pollution over many of its major metropolitan areas, such as Atlanta and Charlotte. Similar reductions in air pollution have been observed in the Northeast U.S., Florida, and across the globe.