The dramatic drop in greenhouse gases and air pollutants seen during the global lockdown will have little impact on global warming.

Scientists agree that the decrease of CO2 in the atmosphere during the 2020 pandemic is not enough to mitigate the effects of global warming.

Recent scientific studies suggest that the reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions during the worldwide lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic is insufficient to have any noticeable impact on climate change and global warming because the behavioral shifts and confinement measures are temporary. Although CO2 levels have decreased drastically due to the decrease in transportation and industrial activities worldwide, they were still higher than the CO2 concentrations compared to the previous year (2019).

An international study led by Leeds University estimates that an overall decrease of greenhouse gasses like nitrogen oxides and usage of fossil fuels permanently is necessary to combat the long-term effects of air pollution.

The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.