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By Olivier BOUCHER, Member of AXA Research Fund’s Scientific Board
With COVID-19, we have seen a dramatic decrease in emissions of atmospheric pollutants. The lockdowns had immediate positive impacts, in terms of improved air quality, fewer short-lived pollutants in the atmosphere, and a return of wildlife to some areas. Interestingly particulate matter, small particles in the atmosphere, seems to have decreased less than expected. While traffic and industry have reduced because of the lockdown, activity in the agricultural sector continued. This means we may be underestimating the overall impact of agriculture on some pollutants such as particulate matter, at least under the sunny spring weather that we had during the lockdown in Europe...
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