Menu

The World's response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: What Lesson for Addressing the Climate Change Crisis?

 Tuesday, August 11, 2020 7:29:00 PM  CHS_UserAdmin
 64 Comments

THE WORLD’S RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: WHAT LESSONS FOR ADDRESSING THE CLIMATE CHANGE CRISIS?

 

 

Yakubu Aliyu Bununu, PhD

Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

ybaliyu@abu.edu.ng

 

The COVID-19 pandemic and climate change are two crises that not only resemble one another but also interact. The two care very little about international or regional borders, making both scourges that are unfolding at a global scale. Just like climate change, the virus puts poor and vulnerable populations at greater risks than the elite and call for government action at a scale never witnessed in peacetime[i]. At the same time, a point of departure between the two is that the climate crisis has been proved to have a greater impact on poor and more vulnerable countries which contribute very little in causing it. COVID-19 and climate change have also exhibited remarkable levels of interaction with one another. This remarkable level of interaction between the two crises is demonstrated in how the shutdown of most of the global economy occasioned by public health measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a considerable drop in the levels of greenhouse gas emissions between early February and mid-April 2020. It is reported that daily global greenhouse-gas emissions in early April of 2020 were 17% less than what they were in the corresponding period in 2019[ii]. The international Energy Agency projects that global industrial greenhouse-gas emissions would fall by 8% from the levels witnessed in 2019. This will be the largest annual drop since the second world war1. What this drop also reveals is that the climate crisis is much larger than previously thought and that it will take much more than abandoning airplanes, trains, automobiles and cutting industrial production (as COVID-19 forced us to) to solve. This means that even if the draconian measures taken as a response to the pandemic were to be normalized in order to address the climate crisis, the world would still be left with more than 90% of the decarbonisation in order to be on track to achieve the Paris Agreement’s most ambitious goal of keeping warming not above 1.50C of the pre-industrial revolution levels. The almost total lockdown of the global economy that caused a complete halt in travel has shown that the main culprit in climate change might actually be our individual consumption habits and lifestyles.

 

It is clear that COVID-19 and the climate crises are unfolding at a global and unprecedented scale bringing about huge levels of disruption that require a coordinated response by policy and decision makers, businesses and individual members of society. As they are very similar, so are they also markedly different. While the pandemic poses a direct threat to individuals and health systems, climate change on the other hand causes disruptions in and undermines broader national and human systems. Thus, COVID-19 requires responses within days and weeks, whereas reactions to climate change appear less urgent and acute. Nevertheless, the scientific evidence suggests that the impacts of climate change will worsen as the world takes longer in responding to it. Available evidence suggests that the world is indeed taking longer as many of the countries that form the Conference of Parties (COP) are on course to miss their emission reduction targets set for 2030 except if radical changes in production and consumption are introduced urgently[iii]. Therefore, humanity is today confronted with overlapping crises that require immediate societal mobilization[iv].

 

Just like the climate crisis has and is forecast to continue to, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a more pronounced impact on cities than rural areas. What gives cities their distinct advantages also make them highly vulnerable to disease epidemics and other natural disasters. Dense populations, frenetically paced commerce and global connections have made cities economic, political and cultural powerhouses. These have also increased their vulnerability to disease pandemics. As at 1920 – the last year of the “Spanish Flu” – 14% of the global population lived in cities. That proportion soared to an unprecedented 55% in 2018[v]. Therefore, cities are the arenas where the battles of the pandemic and the climate crisis will be won or lost.

 

As COVID-19 spread all over the world, city after city have experienced remarkably similar patterns of the spread of the virus and have responded with drastic but necessary measures in order to stop or at the minimum slow the spread of the virus. These measures that have now become part of everyday vocabulary include social distancing, respiratory and hand hygiene, wearing of face masks, lockdown, quarantine, contact tracing, testing and self-isolation. In some instances, the measures instituted by cities that were hit by the virus earliest served as lessons for those the virus hit later on. This was enabled by the ability to share knowledge, experiences and best practices and this helped some     cities to avoid mistakes and optimise their responses to COVID-19 especially in the early stages of the pandemic. Such information diffusion has proved invaluable in enabling metropolitan areas to explore the adoption of successful strategies that were implemented by other cities.

 

However, the response to covid19 has varied from city to city. while it has been established that there is a link between high densities and fast as well as easy spread of infections, it is still a mystery to many experts why New York for instance has had more cases of infections and deaths due to COVID-19 than denser, more populated cities like Mani     la, Lagos and Nairobi with much poorer access to quality health care for residents. These cities responded to COVID-19 in ways that were very     similar but different. While the more affluent cities in western Europe and the United States instituted total lockdowns, the poorer ones in Africa for instance chose to lockdown but with the modification of allowing a few days within the week for people to stock up on essentials. These measures were supported and bolstered by legislative powers that allowed national or subnational governments to essentially shut down entire cities and even countries thereby depriving people of their liberties and freedom. Interestingly, people obeyed these lockdown orders, albeit with pockets of resistance and violations in a few cities around the world especially after it had dragged on for more than eight weeks. This makes one to wonder whether such measures are feasible as part of future response to climate change or is COVID-19 considered a more existential threat?

 

The experts have also stated that in the absence of a vaccine or even a therapeutic treatment, the best weapon against the COVID-19 pandemic is each individual taking personal responsibility of observing public health guidelines such as wearing of masks, practicing good respiratory hygiene and social distancing. This also brings to mind how remarkably similar COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis are because it has severally been argued by experts in the field that personal responsibility especially in consumption and other lifestyle choices hold the greatest potential for reducing the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and taming global warming and climate change. Here, it is important to stress that the rich nations of the world have a responsibility of showing the rest of the world the way by reforming and transitioning their economies from their current state of fossil fuel dependency to those anchored on cleaner and renewable energy resources.

 

As earlier stated, COVID-19 has occasioned the shutdown of the economies of many countries and the World Bank forecast states that the global economy would experience a very deep recession that will see it shrink by up to 5.2%[vi]. As the COVID-19 lockdowns are gradually being lifted and several national economies are staggering back to life, a unique opportunity is being presented to institute government policies that will move national economies away from fossil fuels and carbon at much lower political, financial and social costs that would have been otherwise obtained. Indeed, it is the tension between politics and economics on the one hand and concerns for the environment on the other that has been blamed for lack of or very little action at addressing climate change. This tension remains even as the pandemic continues to ravage many regions of the world and may actually have been aggravated by recent actions of isolationism rather than cooperation by many of the leading countries of the world like the United States, Germany and China. At the same time, there are signs of hope. About 17 European countries have stuck together and are calling on the European Commission to make the Green Deal central in the COVID-19 economic recovery efforts2.

 

The COVID-19 pause and the resultant reduction in the emission of GHGs is not necessarily climate-friendly. The global community must make it so. The 2021 stock-taking meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP) should be used as an avenue not just for evaluation of the 2015 Paris Agreement but also an opportunity for raising their game in order to show that the lessons of the pandemic has catalysed them into taking more substantial actions that will lead to a breakthrough on the environment. How likely is this to happen going by the current state of global geopolitics? Where will the leadership come from considering that the United States under the Trump administration has made it abundantly clear that it is not interested in continuing with the long-established model of multilateral cooperation in global international relations? What is in no doubt however is that COVID-19 has made it abundantly clear that the foundations of our societies and their well being and prosperity are precarious. In all of this, the poorer, more vulnerable regions of the world as well as minority groups in the United States and Western Europe appear more at risk of being plunged further into poverty, disease and even death. The disasters that have been long talked about and have been the subject of fictitious movies and books can actually become reality without any prior warning, turning life upside down and destabilizing all that seemed unshakably stable. The harm to our societies from climate change may be slower in unfolding than the pandemic, but when it eventually arrives, it will most likely be more devastating and longer lasting. If there was ever a good time for the leaders of the world to demonstrate the requisite courage in averting the climate disaster, that time is now as they may never have a more attentive audience should this opportunity be missed.


[i] The Economist (2020, 21 May). A new opportunity to tackle climate change: countries should seize the moment to flatten the climate curve. www.economist.com, retrieved 02.06.20.

[ii] The Economist (2020, 21 May). The other crisis. www.economist.com, retrieved 02.06.20

[iii] Bununu, Y.A. (2020). Domestic Material Consumption, Our Modern Economies, Lifestyles and Environmental Sustainability. In: Leal Wet al (eds) Sustainable cities and communities, encyclopedia of the UN sustainable development goals. Springer Nature Switzerland AG, Gewerbestrasse, Cham, Switzerland.

[iv] Science (2020, 1 May). A COVID-19 recovery for climate. http://science.sciencemag.org/, retrieved 04.06.20.

[v] Losavio and Charles (2020). Cities are especially vulnerable to COVID-19. www.reuters.com retrieved 04.06.20.

[vi] The World Bank (2020). The Global Economic Outlook During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Changed World. https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2020/06/08/the-global-economic-outlook-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-a-changed-world, retrieved 12.06.20.

No 9 - This blog article is written under the auspices of the British Academy supported Critical Thinking and Writing Workshop for Urban Studies Researchers in Nigeria.

 

The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development or the University of Lagos, Nigeria.

64 Comments

  • Jimmy
    Commented

    I couldn’t resist commenting. Well written! Heya i’m for
    the first time here. I came across this board and I to find
    It really useful & it helped me out a lot. I’m hoping to provide something back and help others such as you aided me.

    These are truly fantastic ideas in regarding blogging.
    You have touched some pleasant things here. Any way keep up wrinting.

    http://hats.com

    Reply
  • https://canhosafira.com.vn/
    Commented

    I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
    The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish.

    nonetheless, you command get got an edginess over that you wish
    be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the
    same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.

    Reply
  • https://quanchayngon.com/
    Commented

    This is the right web site for anyone who hopes to understand this topic.
    You understand so much its almost hard to argue with
    you (not that I personally would want to?HaHa).
    You certainly put a fresh spin on a subject which has
    been discussed for ages. Great stuff, just excellent!

    Reply
  • https://dobabiesmatter.com/
    Commented

    Simply wish to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity in your post is simply excellent and i could assume you are an expert on this subject.

    Fine with your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post.
    Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.

    Reply
  • https://canhosafira.com.vn/
    Commented

    Hey! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are
    you using for this site? I'm getting fed up of Wordpress because I've had
    issues with hackers and I'm looking at options for another
    platform. I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

    Reply
  • https://bomattw3.com/
    Commented

    I loved as much as you will receive carried out right
    here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject
    matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following.
    unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the
    same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.

    Reply
  • swisskubik watch winder
    Commented

    This design is incredible! You obviously know how to keep a reader amused.
    Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost...HaHa!) Excellent job.
    I really loved what you had to say, and more than that,
    how you presented it. Too cool! https://www.timescapeusa.com/collections/swiss-kubik

    Reply
  • Orbita watch vault
    Commented

    Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice
    while you amend your site, how could i subscribe for a
    blog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal.
    I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea https://www.timescapeusa.com/collections/watch-winder-safe

    Reply
  • buben zorweg watch winders
    Commented

    After looking into a handful of the articles on your site,
    I really like your way of writing a blog. I saved as a
    favorite it to my bookmark website list and will be
    checking back in the near future. Please check out my website as well and tell me what you think. https://whatswellbeing.com/healthy-snacks-for-weight-loss/

    Reply
  • best manual lawn aerator
    Commented

    There is also another methods available too offering varying numbers of automation and
    cost. Thus, in the event the soil is dry, water the lawn a day before aerating to achieve moist conditions.
    It has humic acid and mycorrhizae within it
    that assist the lawn recuperate from toxins that
    have been applied during the year.

    Reply
  • 더존카지노
    Commented

    I merely have to share it with you that I am new to putting up a blog and extremely adored your report. Quite possibly I am going to save your blog post . You seriously have memorable article information. Value it for expressing with us the best web post

    Reply
  • 33카지노
    Commented

    It’s perfect time to make a few plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I have learn this post and if I may just I want to counsel you some attention-grabbing things or suggestions. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article. I desire to learn even more things approximately it!|

    Reply
  • Mollie
    Commented

    I'm really impressed ѡith үour writing skills aѕ wеll as with thе layout on yoսr weblog.
    Is this a paid theme oг did үou modify it yourself?
    Eіther ԝay keep uр the excellent quality writing, it іs rare to ѕee a
    nice blog lіke this one nowadays.

    Reply
  • Bud
    Commented

    Definitely сonsider that that you ѕaid. Your favourite reason appeared tо be on the web tһe easiest factor
    to remember ⲟf. Ι say to yoᥙ, Ӏ ϲertainly get irked whilst other folks cоnsider issues that theʏ јust don't recognise about.
    Yоu managed tⲟ hit tһe nail upon the top and outlined оut thе whople thing wіth
    no neeⅾ side-effects , people can take a signal.
    Will likely be aցain to ɡet morе. Thanks

    Reply
  • Rae
    Commented

    Undeniably believe that that you said. Your favourite reason appeared to be on the internet the simplest factor to have in mind of.
    I say to you, I definitely get annoyed even as people consider
    worries that they just don't understand about. You controlled to hit the
    nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side-effects
    , other folks could take a signal. Will probably be back to get more.
    Thank you

    Reply
  • Niklas
    Commented

    Hello terrific website! Does running a blog like this require a massive amount work?
    I have no understanding of computer programming
    however I was hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
    Anyways, if you have any recommendations or techniques for new
    blog owners please share. I know this is off subject nevertheless I just needed to ask.
    Cheers!

    Reply
  • link
    Commented

    I loved as much as you'll receive carried out right here.

    The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get got an impatience over that you wish
    be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further
    formerly again as exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this hike.

    Reply
  • Muhammad
    Commented

    Excellent post. Keep writing such kind of
    info on your page. Im really impressed by your site.

    Hello there, You've performed a fantastic job. I'll certainly digg it and in my
    view suggest to my friends. I'm confident they will be benefited from this
    web site.

    Reply
  • Winnie
    Commented

    We're a group of volunteers and opening a new
    scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with valuable info to work on. You
    have done an impressive job and our entire community will be
    grateful to you.

    Reply
  • link
    Commented

    Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?

    There's a lot of folks that I think would really enjoy your content.
    Please let me know. Many thanks

    Reply
  • Erik
    Commented

    This design is spectacular! You certainly know how to keep a reader entertained.
    Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well,
    almost...HaHa!) Fantastic job. I really loved what you had to
    say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

    Reply
  • Kris
    Commented

    Hi there, There's no doubt that your site could possibly be having web browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however,
    when opening in I.E., it's got some overlapping
    issues. I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up!

    Aside from that, wonderful website!

    Reply
  • Tammi
    Commented

    Hmm it looks like your blog ate my first comment (it was super long) so
    I guess I'll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I'm thoroughly enjoying your blog.
    I too am an aspiring blog writer but I'm still new to the whole thing.
    Do you have any points for novice blog writers?
    I'd really appreciate it.

    Reply
  • dBrynlee
    Commented

    What's up to all, the contents existing at this web page are in fact amazing for
    people experience, well, keep up the nice work fellows.


    http://waldseer-fasnachtswiki.de/index.php?title=Benutzer:AshleyLindeman2
    http://wiki.concepthut.com/wiki/User:JimmieRandolph8
    http://wiki.gamerhaven.org/index.php?title=User:MarthaP320
    http://wiki.juffland.com/index.php?title=User:KentonSpeckman
    http://wiki.lessdead.com/index.php?title=User:TerranceMathis3
    http://wiki.strand-3d.com/index.php?title=User:BrigitteBazile
    http://wiki.trumpchannel.org/index.php?title=User:ChesterTrimble5
    http://www.blackbacklp.de/dati/index.php?title=Benutzer:JackiVenuti80
    http://www.teachingtools.in/index.php?title=User:DarrenFulkerson
    https://agile.kiwi/index.php?title=User:MaximoMcKinnon2
    https://dild.in/wikka/IlahmBunnyll
    https://dilsecoin.com/wikka/LatashainWineyt
    https://en.chinazi.wiki/wiki/User:FloydManifold4
    https://indiwiki.udata.id/mediawiki/index.php?title=User:Stevie31Q143545
    https://labs.dilc.upd.edu.ph/ilc-iskomunidad-2018/index.php/User:ChristenaBlaine
    https://wiki.citoyliens.fr/index.php?title=User:MichelleU49
    https://wiki.cordoba.gob.ar/index.php?title=Usuario:LavonneTbn
    https://www.echopedia.org/index.php?title=User:FerminChesser4
    https://www.knebworthvillage.org/wiki/User_talk:AleidaSalas29

    Reply
  • additional info
    Commented

    We stumbled over here different web address and thought I may as well check things out.
    I like what I see so now i'm following you.

    Look forward to checking out your web page
    again.

    https://best-fitness-trackers.blogspot.com/
    https://bunn-coffee-maker-review.blogspot.com/
    https://best-ice-machines.blogspot.com/
    https://garlichealthbenefit.blogspot.com/
    https://glo-gadget.blogspot.com/
    https://bestnightvisionbinocular.blogspot.com/
    https://manuallawnaerator.blogspot.com/
    https://electronic-dart-board.blogspot.com/
    https://bestprobioticyogurt.blogspot.com/
    https://best-weed-killer.blogspot.com/
    https://organic-lawn-fertilizer-review.blogspot.com/
    https://best-organic-gardening-tips.blogspot.com/
    https://bestflyfishinghq.blogspot.com/
    https://bestcigaracceesories.blogspot.com/
    https://about-bonsai.blogspot.com/
    https://outdoorpatiogazeboideas.blogspot.com/
    https://weldinghoods.blogspot.com/
    https://bestbirdingbinoculars.blogspot.com/
    https://automatic-soap-dispenser.blogspot.com/
    https://whatissheabutter.blogspot.com/
    https://african-black-soap-review.blogspot.com/
    https://coffee-vending-machineshq.blogspot.com/
    https://soapmakingrecipes.blogspot.com/
    https://weldingschoolsinformation.blogspot.com/
    https://walldecoratingideashq.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  • hikaru.s22.xrea.com
    Commented

    Hey very nice blog!



    https://babybathtubreview.blogspot.com/
    https://bestcigaracceesories.blogspot.com/
    https://best-fitness-trackers.blogspot.com/
    https://best-golfrangefinders.blogspot.com/
    https://best-ice-machines.blogspot.com/
    https://bestprobioticyogurt.blogspot.com/
    https://best-solar-panels-for-your-home.blogspot.com/
    https://bluetoothheadphonesreviews.blogspot.com/
    https://cars-accident-lawyer.blogspot.com/
    https://darkchocolatehealthbenefits.blogspot.com/
    https://energyefficientforhomes.blogspot.com/
    https://bestflyfishinghq.blogspot.com/
    https://germanshepherdtraining101.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  • pop over here
    Commented

    I am truly happy to glance at this web site posts which contains plenty of helpful
    data, thanks for providing these data.


    http://makyo.s16.xrea.com/dc_nbbs/clever.cgi
    http://terupote.s4.xrea.com/cleverbbs/clever.cgi
    http://tyuratyura.s8.xrea.com/bbs/i-regist.cgi
    http://www.hoteltermecapasso.com/2019/03/15/the-ultimate-girlfriend-getaway-guide-to-cape-town/
    http://www.kharkov.davr.gov.ua/archives/4537
    https://detektei-nyffeler.ch/index.php/component/k2/item/1-duis-aute-irure-dolor-in-reprehenderit-in-voluptate-velit-esse
    https://whousemyname.com/2018/05/15/kafka-update-plan/
    https://www.abiopac.fr/blog/2016/01/16/Global-warming-of-more-than-2-before-2100-.aspx
    http://2xex.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=2854295&do=profile
    http://appdev.163.ca/dz163/home.php?mod=space&uid=3169765&do=profile
    http://bbs.ffsky.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=6009421&do=profile&from=space
    http://bbs.myvoyo.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=1586649&do=profile&from=space
    http://nanyang.one/home.php?mod=space&uid=247116&do=profile&from=space
    http://www.0510365.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=3768705&do=profile&from=space
    http://www.aopengzuoye.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=641964&do=profile&from=space
    http://www.degess.com/bbs/home.php?mod=space&uid=752728&do=profile&from=space
    http://www.hongkongchannel.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=515331&do=profile&from=space
    http://www.mengsns.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=2161728&do=profile&from=space
    http://www.stwx.net/home.php?mod=space&uid=1214676&do=profile&from=space
    http://www.szltgd.com/space-uid-955017.html
    http://www.wxedu.com.cn/home.php?mod=space&uid=895669&do=profile&from=space
    http://www.xiaoshou.cn/home.php?mod=space&uid=847395&do=profile
    http://xinliwang.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=63631&do=profile&from=space
    http://xn--v0qy2st9by01d.l1poseidon.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=360151&do=profile&from=space
    http://yourfilebox.xyz/profile.php?id=395943

    Reply
  • superbeets pros and cons
    Commented

    hey there and thank you for your information � I have definitely picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise some technical points using this web site, as I experienced to reload the website a lot of times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your web hosting is OK? Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will sometimes affect your placement in google and can damage your high-quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Well I'm adding this RSS to my email and can look out for much more of your respective intriguing content. Ensure that you update this again soon.|

    Reply

Post Reply