China pollution drops following coronavirus outbreak

CHINA (KYMA, KECY) - Newly released satellite images by NASA show a considerable decrease in pollution levels in China since January.

NASA has said this is probably due to the recent coronavirus outbreak in the country.

The images focus on levels of nitrogen dioxide, a gas emitted by vehicles and industrial facilities.

They depict a drop in the levels from January to February, a time period which aligns with a decision made by Chinese officials to restrict travel within the region of Wuhan.

Scientists say Wuhan's pollution levels have changed dramatically compared to previous years, where pollution levels would spike immediately after the Lunar New Year celebration.

In contrast, NASA reports pollution levels in Wuhan plunged dramatically at the start of the year.