CLIMATE CHANGE
Sometimes nature presents itself as a laboratory, where scientists can study results that are far more broad-based than any test they could set up in a controlled environment. COVID-19 “shutdowns” offered such an opportunity, when large geographic areas reduced activity to stop the spread of COVID-19. Scientists are studying the impacts on air quality, looking for lessons that could have broader significance for policies to slow climate change.
Instructions
Write a 1-2 page paper using the following instructions:
Select one of the following articles to read:
Paul Villeneuve. September 2020. Methodological Considerations for Epidemiological Studies of Air Pollution and the SARS and COVID-19 Coronavirus Outbreaks. https://search-ebscohost-com.libdatab.strayer.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=8gh&AN=146351554&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Yasin Elshorbany. February 2021. The Status of Air Quality in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Remote Sensing Perspective. https://search-ebscohost-com.libdatab.strayer.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=148502689&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Maya Kumari. June 2021. Multivariate and Spatial Analysis of Reduced Urban Air Pollution During COVID-19 Pandemic in Delhi. https://search-ebscohost-com.libdatab.strayer.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=152663621&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Nidhi Verma. July 10, 2021. Profound Implications of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown on the Earth’s Ecosystem: A Case Study Using Remote Sensing Data. https://search-ebscohost-com.libdatab.strayer.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=151422853&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Summarize the conclusions in the article in your own words. Support the summary with reference to the article.
Analyze whether the article provides insights into possible solutions to climate change. Support the insights with evidence from articles or other resources.
Sample Answer
Yasin Elshorbany’s “The Status of Air Quality in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Remote Sensing Perspective” (February 2021) examines the impact of COVID-19 shutdowns on air quality across the United States using satellite and ground-based monitoring data.
Summary of Conclusions:
The study by Elshorbany concludes that COVID-19 shutdowns led to significant improvements in air quality across the United States. Elshorbany highlights the following key findings:
- Reduced Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): The study observed significant reductions in NO2, a pollutant primarily emitted from vehicle traffic. Satellite data showed a decrease of up to 30% in NO2 levels over major US cities during peak lockdown periods compared to pre-pandemic levels. ([Elshorbany, 2021])