According to information available on the European Environment Agency website, it is possible to analyse the evolution of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels in Funchal from the 1st of January to 31st of July, and compare these levels to the levels recorded over the previous four years.
Understandably, there was a sharp drop in NO2 levels between mid-March to mid-May, which coincided with lock down and the temporary closure of companies, which was further accompanied by a greater level of both private and public sector workers, working from home.
According to data released on the 8th of August by the Regional Directorate of Statistics of Madeira, during the period 01-01-2020 to the 31-07-2020, NO2 pollution was 60% below the recorded minimum average over the past four years.
From June to the end of July, there was an increase in NO2 levels, however, these too are below the minimum average.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
