Observing network effect of shipping emissions from space: A natural experiment in the world’s busiest port

Maritime trade and associated emissions are dynamic in nature. Although shipping emissions contribute significantly to air quality and climate change, their trade-governed dynamics remain less explored due to the lack of observational evidence. Here, we use satellite measurements to capture the redistribution of shipping nitrogen oxides (NO [Formula: see text]) emissions from Shanghai port, the world’s busiest port, during a natural experiment posted by the localized COVID-19 lockdown in 2022. Viewing the ports as nodes in a network linked by ship journeys, we quantify a lockdown-induced [Formula: see text] 42% reduction in shipping NO [Formula: see text] emissions for Shanghai port. We further identify an emission transfer to its neighboring connected ports, confirmed by comprehensive vessel activity observations. Our study highlights the socioeconomic drivers of shipping emissions, which may add additional layers of complexity to air quality management.