The popularity of cleaner energy via wind turbines and photovoltaic resources has benefited the world by decreasing pollution, according to results of a recent study published in a journal cited by the Associated Press.

Global emissions dropped 1.3 percent from 2008 to 2009 partly because of the slow world economy, according to the study led by Pierre Friedlingstein of the University of Exeter in England. About 453 million less tons of carbon dioxide were emitted in 2009 than the year prior. Yet another contributing factor was the reduced pace of deforestation, which slowed in 2009.

"The good part of the crisis is that it reduces emissions," Pierre Friedlingstein, study lead author, told the Associated Press.

The U.S. Energy Department reports harmful emissions decreased seven percent last year, which it attributed to lagging economic growth and energy that is more efficient and cleaner.

But, more so in the East as compared to the West, developing nations that were not as strongly impacted by the recession are not efficiently using energy. Carbon dioxide pollution emitted by China, for example, jumped eight percent while India’s increased six percent, according to the study.