Fostering Sustainable Change: Building on the Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

During the time of COVID-19, there has been speculation on whether a global shutdown has impacted the release of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into the atmosphere and whether there is hope for a reversal of CO₂ emissions if certain practices are permanently altered—e.g., less air travel, the provision of alternate forms of clean-fuel energy, and limiting livestock farming. Noticeably, as a result of COVID-19, foot traffic is on the increase, flights have been limited in passenger bookings and destination choice, and skies have been noticeably clearer—from Shanghai to Los Angeles. And global CO₂ emissions are on track to drop by 5.5% by the end of 2020—such a drop would be the largest yearly change on record, surpassing the financial crisis of 2008 and World War II. But even with the global economy gridlocked, science indicates that the world is still on track to release 95% of the carbon dioxide emitted in a typical year, continuing to heat up the planet and intensify climate change even with so many still at home. What can be done to lead the world from this seemingly inevitable calamity and implement the measures necessary to effect meaningful change? What already has been in the works since the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015 that might be expanded now?