Global Scenarios of Air Pollution during COVID-19: A Systematic Review
The research paper titled “Global Scenarios of Air Pollution during COVID-19: A Systematic Review” presents a comprehensive analysis of how COVID-19-related restrictions impacted air quality worldwide. Conducted by Mohamud Said Yusuf, Abdiqani Ahmed Farah, Khadar Ahmed Dirie, Md. Mahmudul Alam, and Zarinah Abdul Rasit, the study systematically reviewed 120 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2020 and 2022. Following PRISMA guidelines, the authors categorized the studies by year, methodology, geographic area, and outcomes. The findings revealed that while lockdowns led to significant reductions in air pollution in many urban areas, some regions experienced increased emissions due to factors unrelated to COVID-19 restrictions. Additionally, the study highlighted the influence of meteorological conditions on regional variations in air pollution levels. The authors emphasize the importance of monitoring air quality as economic activities resume and suggest that the pandemic provided a unique opportunity for policymakers to implement alternative strategies for environmental management.