Environmental, health and economic benefits of Covid-19 lockdown in Morocco

Abstract

Several measures have been taken to mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. In this context, almost all non-essential activities in Morocco have been halted since March 20, 2020. The main objectives of this work are firstly to study the effects of lockdown measures on air quality, by analyzing dust PM2.5, NO2 and O3. Secondly, to estimate the health and the total economic benefits caused by PM2.5 during the Covid19 scenario based on Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program (BenMAP). A review of the various health and economic studies of the impact of lockdown on air quality was conducted and taken into account. The dust PM2.5 analysis was carried out from 2016 to 2020. NO2 and O3 analysis was carried out in 2019 and 2020. This study, which is based on satellite data from TROPOMI Sentinel 5P and MERRA, has shown that Morocco has experienced an improvement in air quality during the lockdown. A significant reduction in surface dust PM2.5 and tropospheric NO2 was observed (-10%, -4%, respectively on average). The total column of ozone recorded a slight increase on average of around 1%. According to the results obtained, it is inferred that the reduction of PM2.5 concentration saved lives mainly from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, with 291 and 137 avoided deaths respectively. According to the VSL method, the economic benefits of avoiding deaths from all causes due to a decrease in PM2.5 concentration of the order of 67 % in Morocco have been estimated at about 451 million USD. This hypothetical clean air scenario has shown us the significant health and economic benefits that could be achieved through transport, climate and environmental strategies and policies that at the same time support a robust economic recovery and reduced emissions. Keywords: Air quality, Covid-19, Morocco, health impacts, economic benefits.