The relationship between satellite data and COVID-19 restrictions were investigated in the European Union (EU-27), taking into account physical- and socio-geographical factors. Spatially and temporally differentiated measures and lockdowns have different atmospheric impacts in different physical geographic regions and in areas with different socio-economic characteristics._x000D_
The 27 EU Member States at national, NUTS-3 regional and metropolitan level were studied and mapped in terms of Sentinel-5p nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels and changes in NO2 levels in 2019, 2020 and 2021._x000D_
Our analyses identified the main European emission zones and presented their main defining geographical characteristics, as well as the changes due to the pandemic. We found that, with the exception of some regions (typically in Eastern Europe), the severity of the restrictions did not play a relevant role in the extent of changes in the air environment, but it is clear that the measures themselves had a significant impact on the overall reduction in NO2 levels in 2020. In many regions, the reductions in the stringency of the 2021 restrictions have led to a worsening of ambient air quality, with NO2 levels rebounding above previous levels._x000D_
The research was supported by the project POST-COVID2021-29 of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

György Varga(1,2); Adrienn Csávics(1,2); József Szeberényi(1); Fruzsina Gresina(1,2)
(1) Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, (2) Budapest, Hungary; Eötvös University, Budapest, Hungary

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ID Abstract: 347