News Alert: Greenhouse gases saw a dramatic 17 percent plunge due to coronavirus lockdowns, a sudden decline likely without precedent

A study of the pandemic's effects on the global energy system finds that lockdowns, reduced driving and flying, and industrial cutbacks earlier this year drove emissions down to 2006 levels. The plunge is equivalent to more than a billion tons of carbon dioxide that never made its way into the atmosphere. But the drop in emissions, which reached its lowest level in early April, is believed to be temporary. Experts see greenhouse gas levels bouncing back later this year as the world gradually reopens.

Democracy Dies in Darkness     News Alert May 19, 11:02 AM     Greenhouse gases saw a dramatic 17 percent plunge due to coronavirus lockdowns, a sudden decline likely without precedent A study of the pandemic's effects on the global energy system finds that lockdowns, reduced driving and flying, and industrial cutbacks earlier this year drove emissions down to 2006 levels. The plunge is equivalent to more than a billion tons of carbon dioxide that never made its way into the atmosphere. But the drop in emissions, which reached its lowest level in early April, is believed to be temporary. Experts see greenhouse gas levels bouncing back later this year as the world gradually reopens. Read more » Advertisement You received this email because you signed up for news alerts from The Washington Post. Manage my newsletters and alerts | Unsubscribe Privacy Policy | Help ©2020 The Washington Post, 1301 K St NW, Washington DC 20071