COVID-19 and CO2

Hale, Galina; Leduc, Sylvain

Journal Article

COVID-19 and CO2

Abstract: One potential side effect from the rapid decline of global economic activity since the worldwide pandemic is a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Historically, CO2 emissions rise and fall in tandem with economic activity in the short run. Since the industries most affected by the downturn also produce the most CO2, emissions could drop more than output this time around. However, without substantial and sustained changes in energy sources and efficiency, the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere—the relevant factor causing climate change—will continue on its upward trajectory.

Keywords: global warming; economic activity; climate change; carbon dioxide emissions; covid-19;