The takeaway message:
Recent satellite data from NASA show significant improvement in air quality levels throughout the state, though NASA officials say further research is needed to pinpoint the exact cause. Meanwhile, a Harvard study has linked air pollution to higher coronavirus death rates.
What’s going on?
Nitrogen dioxide levels have dropped by about 30% across Florida when compared to the most recent five-year average, according to recent NASA satellite data. Larger cities such as Tampa, Orlando, Miami and Jacksonville have experienced the most apparent reduction in this air pollutant.
NASA scientists caution that variations in weather such as record-setting heat and low rainfall can also impact nitrogen dioxide levels in the air. And though cities across the globe also reported improvements in pollution and air quality following COVID-19 shutdowns, the experts note that further analysis is needed “to quantify the amount of the change in NO2 levels associated with changes in pollutant emissions versus natural variations in weather.”
It should also be noted that Florida had already begun making strides in air quality improvement prior to the Coronavirus outbreak. In early March, before the statewide stay-at-home order was issued, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced that for the first time in more than a decade, Florida has met all national air quality standards and is the most populous state to do so. The DEP credits the achievement with statewide efforts to reduce emissions over the past several years.
Why it matters.
The decrease in nitrogen dioxide levels means that both our lungs and the environment can breathe a little easier. About 1% of nitrogen dioxide in our atmosphere is produced naturally by lightning, plants, soil and water. The remainder is primarily released from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.
Nitrogen dioxide is considered an air pollutant due to its negative impacts on both human and environmental health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, when nitrogen dioxide is found in high concentrations, it can spark flare-ups in respiratory conditions such as asthma. When too much nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere mixes with other compounds like sulfur dioxide, it can lead to the formation of acid rain, which can harm sensitive ecosystems. Nitrogen dioxide can also form nitrate particles, which can make the air hazy and contribute to nutrient pollution in coastal waters. These environmental impacts can be especially exacerbated by heat.
According to a recent study from Harvard University, high levels of air pollution can contribute to the lethality of the coronavirus. The study found that patients are more likely to die if they came from areas with high levels of air pollution. Consequently, the recent reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels may be welcome news for Floridians concerned about the virus.
What can I do?
- Take these steps to reduce your personal contribution to air pollution.
Learn More
- About air pollution and its impacts from the World Health Organization.
Other noteworthy Climate Responsibility and Natural Hazards news:
- Florida’s climate change efforts ‘disjointed,’ former state resilience officer found
- 10 Years After Gulf Oil Spill, Environmental Effects Linger
- Wildfire scorches 1,200 acres of Everglades; will more blazes happen if virus restrictions lift?
- March was the driest on record. Can the Everglades cope?
- Florida Drought Leads to Water Restrictions in Lee County