According to the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, measures taken against coronavirus epidemic contributed to the protection of the environment, the fight against climate change and additionally increased the air quality. However, it negatively affected the economic development of countries and cost thousands of lives around the world.

The measures taken to stem the spread of coronavirus pandemic around the world caused the demand for coal and oil to decrease. Accordingly, in the first quarter coal demand decreased by 8 percent and global oil demand decreased by approximately 5 percent.

Within the scope of the fight against Coronavirus, travel restrictions, measures taken to close the borders and workplaces also reduced personal vehicle use and air travel.

Restrictions on global economic activities have led to a significant reduction in the use of fuel for transportation. Production in nuclear power plants has decreased significantly, especially in Europe and the USA, while natural gas demand has decreased by about 2 percent compared to last year.

Annual global energy demand decreased by about 1.5 percent

Due to the measures and restrictions taken against Coronavirus, weekly energy demand decreased by 15 percent in China, 17 percent in Europe, and 30 percent in India, where full lockdown was imposed.

With the restrictions applied in all countries, annual global energy demand decreased by about 1.5 percent. This decline was 3.8 percent in the first quarter of the year compared to last year.

Greenhouse gas emissions also dropped sharply as a result of reduced use of fossil fuels due to restrictions on travel and other restrictions around the world.

Greenhouse gas emissions started to decrease as of the beginning of 2020 compared to 2019. The daily greenhouse gas emission reduction rate, which was 0,1 on January 6 worldwide, reached 17.3 percent by April 7.

A daily reduction of greenhouse gas emissions In Turkey was 0.8 percent on January 21 (9,510 tons of carbon dioxide) and it was 17.4 percent (210, 429 tons of CO2) as of April 30. (ILKHA)