Transparent water in the famous Venice canals? Since Italy was quarantined due to the coronavirus, the thousands of tourists who normally invade the canals have disappeared. Motor boats no longer operate, which has resulted in a significant reduction in pollution, as evidenced by the return of fish to the canals. In the port of Cagliari, in Sardinia, a dolphin was even seen near the shore.

These clean waters are just one example of the environmental consequences of coronavirus. In many cities around the world, the streets have been emptied of their cars and bystanders, factories have closed, many flights have been canceled ... Result: a significant drop in nitrogen dioxide emissions.

Satellite images of China show the decrease in these emissions since the quarantine of Wuhan and Hubei province. Scientists in Europe have found the same effect in northern Italy. "The fall in carbon dioxide emissions over the Po plain in northern Italy is particularly evident. We are certain that this reduction […] coincides with containment," commented Claus Zehner, from the 'European Space Agency.

In the United States, scientists at Columbia University reported a 5-10% reduction in CO2 emissions in New York the week of March 16. Car traffic fell 35% compared to the previous year.

But the unexpected environmental impact of the pandemic could be short-lived. China has started to reopen factories, particularly in Hubei province. For the fifth consecutive day, China has not registered any new cases of contamination with coronavirus of local origin.

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