A green future after Covid-19 is possible

▶ At the end of the pandemic, it is vital we find the confidence to tackle climate change

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a steep toll on our current model of civilisation. Our measures to counter its spread and save human life are not without economic consequence. But as we are discovering, they have brought about respite to the environment. Photographs of smog-free cities, the rejuvenation of animal habitats and the return of greenery to our cities have instilled new confidence that humankind can end climate change.

Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, in a research paper published this month, referred to the pandemic as a “wake-up call.” There is a lesson in all of this for world leaders and companies: once the pandemic subsides, we cannot go back to the status quo. As we reopen economies everywhere, we must avoid the resurgence of what Dr Al Zeyoudi has described as “revenge pollution”.

According to the World Health Organisation, air pollution kills 7 million people every year. So far, coronavirus has claimed more than 330,000 lives and infected more than 5 million people. Now, world leaders have an opportunity to save lives from pollution and disease.

The worldwide reduction in pollution levels over the past few months has bolstered the case that this feat is possible, if concerted action is taken on a global scale. This is an opportunity to begin anew and meet the UN-sponsored Sustainable Development Goals agreed to by world leaders back in 2015 and aimed at 2030. Some of the characteristics of our new pandemic-era reality, such as the reduction of excessive air travel or support for local economies, can make a big difference in meeting the targets of the SDGs. Countries can increase “onshoring,” as the research paper suggests, by bringing some operations previously outsourced overseas back home, lowering transport-related carbon emissions. Creating a more sustainable future is within reach but will require the same bold action seen in the last few months to curb the novel coronavirus.

In a recent majlis, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said society must put an end to its “culture of excess,” which includes food waste and over-consumption. Last month, Abu Dhabi Investment Office announced an investment of $100 million in AgTech companies, as part of a plan to boost local agriculture and food security. The move is expected to create hundreds of jobs in three years.

While certain environmentally friendly initiatives, such as promoting public transport and car-sharing, pose public health problems for the time being, there are realistic measures that people and companies can implement now to reduce their carbon footprint. As regulations and policies shift to meet the challenge of Covid-19, new systems are built. All sectors must ensure that these systems are sustainable.

If the overall goals – to protect health and nature – are clear, then everyone will have a role to play in ushering in a more sustainable post-pandemic reality.