This before/after comparison shows the dramatic reduction in pollution since the COVID-19 pandemic forced people to work from home.

NASA released the images below which show NO₂ levels in 2019 (on the left), before the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2020 (on the right). The reduction in NO₂ pollution levels is dramatic.

The pandemic gave NASA a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study human impact on the climate. Even before the pandemic has ended, it is already clear that mankind has a dire impact on the planet’s climate – and shows us how easily and quickly we can turn it around if we try.