The impact of COVID-19 on reducing carbon emissions: From the angle of international student mobility

Highlights

• During the COVID-19, 1326 Gg of carbon emissions were reduced due to decreased international student mobility.

• The amount of reduced carbon emissions is equivalent to two-thirds of the UK’s annual agricultural emissions.

• Online education helps avoid the negative impacts of excessive international student mobility on climate change.

Abstract

Global carbon emissions have been rapidly increasing in recent years, negatively influencing the global climate. Thereby, it is urgent to reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality. During the COVID-19 pandemic, strict quarantine plans have led to a sharp decline in the number of international student flights, which will, in turn, decrease aviation carbon emissions. This study predicts the carbon emission reduction caused by the decrease in international student mobility during the COVID-19. The result shows that the carbon emission was about 1326 Gg, a staggering value equivalent to two-thirds of the carbon emissions of the UK’s agriculture sector in a year. Furthermore, this study analyzes the implications of current mitigation policies and makes recommendations for future strategies.