Global PM2.5 reductions COVID-19 lockdown 2020

During lockdowns imposed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), many cities around the world saw substantial reductions in the levels of PM2.5 pollution. Delhi, India is one of the most polluted cities in the world, but between March 23rd and April 13th 2020 it experienced a reduction of 60 percent when compared to the same period the previous year. The South Korean capital of Seoul experienced similarly large reductions.
Rome, Italy was the only city that experienced an increase in particulate pollution during its lockdown when compared to 2019.

For further information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please visit our dedicated Fact and Figures page.

PM2.5 reductions in select cities during COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 compared to 2019*

Characteristic	Reduction compared to 2019	Reduction compared with prior 4 year average
Delhi, India	-60%	-55%
Seoul, South Korea	-54%	-32%
Wuhan, China	-44%	-50%
Mumbai, India	-34%	-43%
São Paulo, Brazil***	-32%	-26%
Los Angeles, US	-31%	-51%
New York City, US	-25%	-29%
Madrid, Spain	-11%	2%
London, UK	-9%	6%
Rome, Italy	30%	-

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Release date

April 2020

More information

Region

Worldwide

Survey time period

2020*

Supplementary notes

*PM2.5 reductions from the same period in 2019

Lockdown dates:
Mar 23 to Apr 13 in Delhi, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Mumbai, New York City, Sao Paulo
Mar 9 to Mar 30 in Rome
Feb 26 to Mar 18 in Seoul
3 Feb to Feb 24 in Wuhan

**PM2.5 = Particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less

***Based on 3-year average

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