COVID-19 Lockdown Measures Lead to Dramatic Air Quality Improvement in Morocco

According to the DMN, which has evaluated the data from an air quality monitoring station in the city of Marrakech, covering the period from November 2019 to April 8, 2020, significant reductions in atmospheric pollutants have been recorded, including a 55% decrease in nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a 70% decrease in carbon monoxide (CO) and a 67% decrease in suspended particles.

A detailed assessment of air quality is also being launched by the Department of the Environment, in collaboration with the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection and the DMN, with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Morocco.

According to the same source, this assessment, based on the analysis of air quality monitoring station data, before, during and after the state of health emergency, will allow for a critical analysis, lessons learned and recommendations to limit air pollution after the covid-19 health crisis.