Study: Global Carbon Emissions Drop 17% Amid Pandemic

A study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that global CO2 emissions dropped by nearly 19 million tons during the peak of COVID-19 lockdowns in April, reaching levels not seen since 2006. The reduction was mainly due to decreased traffic. The US saw a significant cut in emissions, especially in California and Washington. However, this decline is expected to be temporary as restrictions ease. Researchers predict a 4-7% decrease in global emissions for 2020 compared to 2019, depending on the duration of restrictions and the return to normal activities.

What do researchers predict about the sustainability of the drop in pollution levels throughout the year?

What is the estimated range for global emissions in 2020 compared to 2019?