Satellite data shows that nitrogen dioxide levels have dropped significantly since January, including in northern Italy, after both production and car traffic have decreased in the country.

Reduced tax in Sweden

SVT has been given access to data from the environmental administrations in Sweden's three largest cities. It is clear that the same effect on nitrogen dioxide emissions is also there. Stockholm and Gothenburg have 30-40 percent lower this year compared to previous years. Gothenburg had a high emission at the end of the month, probably because the weather conditions just that day made the nitrogen dioxide remain in the air, says Tora Tomasdottir. Malmö's nitrogen dioxide levels, on the other hand, are not that much lower than in previous years.

- It may be because we get continental air in a different way there. It may also be because traffic has not decreased as much in that area, says SVT meteorologist Tora Tomasdottir.

At the same time, nitrogen dioxide levels in the air have been declining for many years. Partly because we drive better cars now compared to before. In addition, the weather is something that can affect a lot.

- If the wind is quiet, the levels will be higher and if it is windy, the nitrogen dioxide will blow away.

Often people talk about carbon dioxide when it comes to emissions. The difference between nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide emissions is that the former affects in a different way here and now, while the carbon dioxide affects in a longer perspective, since it goes up into the atmosphere and contributes to the greenhouse effect.

- We do not want nitrogen dioxide. It disturbs our airways and is neither good for the environment nor for our health. But carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide often go hand in hand. If we have a lot of emissions of nitrogen dioxide then we usually have it of carbon dioxide too, says Tora Tomasdottir.