Is the global economic meltdown good for the environment?

A recent article from GlobalPost suggests that the one “upside” to the economic crisis is a cleaner environment:
Bad economy, better air?
By Kathleen McLaughlin
February 26, 2009
If there is a bright spot amid the global economic slump for China, it may be in the air — and in the water and soil. Dramatically slowed production in recent months has [...]