In photos: A look at smog levels around the world before and after coronavirus lockdowns

For Earth Day 2020, while countries around the world deal with the COVID-19 crisis, lockdowns are bringing a wave of fresh air to some of the most polluted cities

Published April 22, 2020

This article was published more than 4 years ago. Some information may no longer be current.

When global leaders began asking people to stay inside their homes and practice physical distancing, it was a measure meant to fight the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. But since the world has been in lockdown, skylines have cleared and air quality has visibly improved in some regions.

Scientists have documented declines in smog and contaminants in cities across the globe, from Europe to India and China, as industrial activity and transportation have all but shut down in many regional hubs. Take a look at some comparison images.