Yesterday the state of national emergency was lifted in Japan.

But it is very hard to predict when the COVID-19 will converge and what kind of daily life it will be in the future.

On the other hand, there are some areas that have had a positive impact in unexpected areas.

That is "the reduction of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) emissions."

Lockdown (city blockade) as a countermeasure against new coronaviruses and reduction in economic activity not only in Japan but all over the world will bring positive environmental effects such as improvement of air pollution and reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. 

With googling, you can see the articles below.

- The amount of carbon dioxide humans are responsible for generating worldwide each day fell by 17 percent this April compared to the daily average for 2019.

- In China, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions decreased by 200 million tons in the four weeks leading up to March 1, a 25% decrease from the same period of the previous year.

- It is estimated that this year's global CO2 emissions will be reduced by more than 5% compared to the previous year (1.4% decrease during the Lehman crisis in 2008)

Also in Japan, there is no specific number, but I think that a considerable amount of CO2 emission reduction has been achieved, considering the self-restraint situation in the last few months.

In fact, when I walk outside in the morning and evening, I feel that the air is somewhat clear.

However, this CO2 reduction is not due to structural changes in the industry, so once the declaration of an emergency is over, CO2 emissions will return to their original pace.

At the same time, scientists, environmental activists and religious leaders around the world seem to be calling for a permanent review of the industrial production and economic activities of the "After Corona".

Bill Gates also said this.

“The significance of innovation, science, and the world working together applies to both of these two issues. Everyone sees great cooperation in science and data sharing.”

In recent years, many developed countries, including Europe and the United States, have set the goal of "eliminating greenhouse gas emissions by 2050", and Japan also set the goal of "80% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050". 

If the New Corona Crisis triggers a shift in the way energy is procured and used, it can be said a kind of "New Normal."

It would be great if the conversion to energy sources that do not emit CO2, such as solar power, wind power, and biomass, will progress.

I hope that the use of zero-emission "hydrogen" will increase as secondary energy.