Aclima Blog | Covid-19

9 min read

Air Pollution Fluctuates in San Diego

By Aclima on May 28 2020

In February and March, physical distancing initiatives to slow the spread of COVID-19 resulted in reduced travel, which correlated with declines in air pollutant levels around the world. In April, however, we began to see an increase in air pollutants in parts of California, as measured by both regulatory monitors and Aclima’s mobile sensing network.

Topics: Air Quality San Diego Covid-19

6 min read

Cleaner Air Throughout California

By Aclima on April 14 2020

Californians have now been sheltering in place since March 20. While social distancing is slowing the spread of COVID-19, it’s also significantly reducing air pollutant and greenhouse gas levels across the state. Residents from San Diego to Sacramento are seeing clearer skies and breathing cleaner air, even in the center of cities that rarely experience a noticeable reduction in air pollution.

Topics: California Air Quality Covid-19

8 min read

Bay Area Pollutant Levels Drop for Second Week

By Aclima on March 31 2020

With the shelter-in-place order in the San Francisco Bay Area extending until at least May 1, millions of people continue to stay home to slow the spread of COVID-19. Just two weeks into what is now expected to last at least six weeks, there are indications that social distancing is indeed flattening the curve and slowing an influx of patients that might otherwise have overwhelmed Bay Area hospitals.

Topics: Air Quality Bay Area Mobile Mapping Covid-19

5 min read

Bay Area Air Pollution During COVID-19

By Aclima on March 24 2020

How efforts to flatten the curve of COVID-19 are reflected in air quality

With millions of people sheltering in place across the Bay Area, the daily ebb and flow of urban life has come to a sudden halt. The COVID-19 pandemic has upended many patterns and placed tremendous strain on medical, economic, political, and social systems. The corresponding drop in regional traffic, along with reduced industrial and commercial activity, has also led to a significant decline in air-polluting emissions. While images of empty freeways paint a surreal picture, they also give us an unprecedented glimpse into what happens to the air we breathe when we drastically and suddenly cut emissions.