Environmentalists have noted a sharp decrease in air pollution throughout Europe as a result of the introduction of strict restrictions on traffic to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The European Environment Agency (EEA) has shown data showing the drop in levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), emitted mainly by road transport. This is particularly evident in cities under lockdown.
Over the last four weeks, Rome has seen average NO2 concentrations fall by 26-35 per cent compared to the same period in 2019.
Milan, too, has seen levels drop by 21 per cent in the week of March 16-22 compared with the same week in 2019.
In the week of March 16-22, average NO2 levels in Barcelona were down 55 per cent compared with the same week in 2019. Lisbon saw a similar reduction of 51 per cent, while Madrid had a decrease of 41 per cent.
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