Corona protection measures mean that Dutch air pollution has dropped by between 20% and 60%, according to satellite measurements.

The KNMI weather bureau has found a dramatic reduction in dangerous substances such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide in the air as a result of cancelled flights and reduced economic activity.

Using the Tropomi satellite instrument it has compared air pollution in 2019 with measurements in 2020, taking advantage of the sunny weather and cloudless skies to take extra readings.

Comparing the picture from 22nd to 26th March – after coronavirus reduction measures were implemented – to 23rd to 27th February 2019, the body observed dramatically less polluted skies.

The measurements vary greatly from one day to the next, depending on weather conditions, which explains the variability in the pollution reduction.