What are the Positive & Negative Impacts COVID-19 on the Environment?

Positive climate impact of COVID-19

• 25% reduction in global carbon emissions, or 200 million tons of carbon dioxide
• Nasa satellite images show dramatic decline in pollution levels for China & Italy
• fog pollution lifted in Seattle, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta 
• current talk of climate & energy relief in future stimulus package(s)

Negative climate impact of COVID-19

• a reduction in oil prices has historically lead consumers to use it less efficiently while simultaneously depressing EV sales & disincentivizing retrofitting offices/homes
• renewable energy projects are experiencing disruptions in the global supply chain
• businesses find it difficult to secure financing for planned solar, wind, and electric grid projects
• important climate research and gatherings are delayed due to social distancing requirements
• the US and China are reducing environmental supervisions

The New York Times | What the Coronavirus Means for Climate Change