What Causes the Most Pollution

The COVID Lockdowns and Air Quality

The study by Elshorbany et al. (2021) found that CO and NO2 pollution was reduced during the COVID lockdowns in states where the main source of pollution was from traffic pollution, as in New York City and Florida. The authors concluded, however, that in states where the main source of pollution is not from traffic but rather from agricultural or industrial industries, the lockdowns did not have a significant impact on improving air quality. Thus, Elshorbany et al. (2021) argue that industry-specific policies need to be implemented in those states in order to have an effect on improving air quality.

Climate change is obviously one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. The Earth’s average temperature is rising, and extreme weather events are becoming more common (Sippel et al., 2020). Sea levels are rising, ice caps are melting, and ecosystems are being disrupted. This is having a profound impact on human societies and the natural world. While the causes of climate change are complex, there are a number of potential solutions that could help to mitigate its effects: for example, reducing greenhouse gas emissions through measures such as transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and protecting forests. Additionally, the policy of adapting to the changing climate by implementing infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events could be another solution. These are just a few of the many possible ways that could help to address climate change. But what about improving air quality in states where traffic pollution is not the main source of pollution?

Elshorbany et al. (2021) make the point that industry-specific regulations and reforms need to be put in place to curb air pollution that results, for instance, from agricultural and industrial waste emitted into the air. But there are other possible solutions to climate change that focus on improving air quality—and one way to improve air quality is to increase the amount of vegetation in an area (Deshmukh et al., 2019). Plants help to filter pollutants out of the air, and they also produce oxygen which helps to improve air quality.

Another solution is to focus on increasing the efficiency of buildings and vehicles so as to help to improve air quality. Improving the ways in which energy is used, especially in urban areas can lead to fewer emissions. Still, Elshorbany et al. (2021) make the good point that in states where the main pollution source is other than traffic there needs to be an industry-specific approach to policy. This means that states need to identify the main pollutants and target them with reforms. The lockdowns only improved air quality when the main sources of pollution—drivers—were stuck at home. In states where cows still polluted and industry still breathed, air quality was not improved. Thus, the Elshorbany et al. (2021) show that policies have to address the pollution that emanates from industrial and agricultural waste, as it is not just drivers causing pollution through emissions.

In conclusion, climate change is a complex problem, but there are a few simple things that everyone can do to help fight it. Reducing energy consumption is one way to make a difference. This can be done by using energy-efficient appliances, insulating homes, and carpooling or taking public transportation when possible. Another way is to plant trees, which help to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. But there is also a need to target industries that cause the most pollution and insist upon policies of reform and regulation.