Air Pollution/Quality Trends in the Pandemic of the 21st Century: Approaches in Türkiye

COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020. The pandemic of the 21st century has attracted attention as an important issue, and studies have been carried out in many areas in terms of the related issue. One of these areas is air pollution/quality, which received wide coverage in the media and where positive developments became visible with restrictions. In studies conducted on a national basis regarding COVID-19 pandemic and air pollution/quality, it has been determined that the selected cities have at least one specific feature. These features include population density, excess industrial activities, excess vehicle or transportation network connections, mining activities, and energy recovery. As a result of the study, a decrease was observed in outdoor air pollution emissions, especially during the restrictions, and it was determined that there were improvements in terms of general air quality in Türkiye. While there have been previous studies on the interaction between pandemics and air pollution, this study distinguishes itself by providing a comprehensive and detailed analysis within the context of Türkiye. Unlike earlier works, this research evaluates Türkiye in a broader framework, offering a holistic perspective on the topic. It not only summarizes and interprets findings but also provides actionable recommendations for future pandemic periods and sustainable urban development. This study highlights the situation before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of air pollution, sheds light on future scenarios, and offers policymakers and decision-makers practical proposals applicable to regions worldwide. In the event of future pandemics or efforts to promote healthy and sustainable living, the insights and assessments presented in this study can serve as a valuable reference. Furthermore, it provides actionable strategies for reducing urban air pollution, making it relevant for different countries and cities globally.