How the coronavirus crisis could lead us to a greener future

It is not hard to find evidence of the damage the last six weeks have done to our economy, society, health and wellbeing but as human activity reduces, the environment is thriving in ways we have not seen for decades.

Recorded air pollution levels have fallen dramatically in areas across Wales.

Hafod-Yr-Ynys has the highest level of nitrogen dioxide outside London but in March, the roadside air quality monitor recorded a drop of almost 50 per cent in levels of NO2 compared to the same period last year.

Cardiff city centre has also seen a significant drop in NO2 levels. Records show a reduction of 46 per cent between March and April.

However, there has also been an increase in particulate matter - a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air.

While it is too early to say why they have seen this increase, a council spokesperson says there are several things it could be attributed to:

• Increase in home bonfires and the burning of garden waste

• Increase in use of domestic boilers while people are at home due to lockdown

• The weather at the start of April was fine and dry which would be a contributing factor as well.

But Joseph Carter from Healthy Air Cymru said it is important not to get complacent. He said that while any reduction in air pollution is positive, a few months will not make a long-term difference to the quality of the air we breathe.

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He added that he is concerned once the country starts to come out of lockdown, people in Wales will use their cars more than ever.

He said: “We’re really worried that the coronavirus is going to make people question using public transport, and lose faith in taking the bus or the train.

"These are mass modes of transport and you’re so close to people. Social distancing is not possible in our public transport model, so it’s a real fear for us.

"I think there’s a huge amount of work that the Welsh Government and public service operators will need to do to reassure people and make public transport safe.”

He also said it is possible to make public transport safe. Some companies are already deep cleaning vehicles and asking passengers to use hand sanitisers.

But the confidence people have in their personal safety will be the main issue to overcome.

The short-term reduction in air pollution has given many with respiratory conditions a break from their symptoms.

Tracy Cross has multiple lung conditions, including COPD and asthma. She lives on a busy road in Cardiff and while she is self-isolating, she says the drop in pollution levels has made a huge difference to her health.

Air pollution costs the Welsh NHS around £1bn every year, and has been described as a public health crisis.

While some are experiencing a reprieve from their symptoms, for others a few months with lower levels of pollution is unlikely to make a difference. A long-term build up of nitrogen dioxide in people’s systems causes conditions like dementia, cardiac issues and mental health problems.

Healthy Air Cymru said there are lessons we can learn from this period but it will take a lot of work to maintain lower levels of air pollution after lockdown has ended.

Joseph Carter said: “People are making lifestyle changes. We’re seeing more people walking and cycling, that’s a positive thing.

"People are walking to local shops and doing one weekly shop rather than going every few days and more people are working from home.

"There’s certainly a possibility that companies might continue to encourage that once lockdown has ended. Therefore there will be less travelling and less pollution from traffic.

"But the challenge for us all is whether this is a short term blip, or whether some of it can be sustained.”

You can see more on this story in Wales This Week: Coronavirus - Our Changing Nation on ITV Cymru Wales at 7pm on Thursday 7 May.