A scientist at Northern Arizona University says carbon dioxide levels are dropping toward historic lows. But, the impact depends on how much longer drivers will remain off the roads.
Since Gov. Doug Ducey ordered stay-at-home protocols to stop the spread of COVID-19, NAU scientist Kevin Gurney has measured a dramatic drop in CO2 levels over major U.S. cities.
Gurney attributes a majority of the decrease in greenhouse gas emissions to the reduced use of gasoline, diesel and jet fuels.
Comparing the first three weeks in April to the previous decade’s data, he recorded a drop of 59% in jet fuel emissions and a 43% drop for gasoline.
Gurney sees it as an extraordinary opportunity to reduce annual emissions by 5% if travel remains at this level through the end of June.
