Insights Blog

A holistic approach by government and farmers alike is needed to address the problem of burning crop stubble, which comes at a huge environmental and health cost.

 

The COVID-19 imperative

As the world works to fight the spread of the coronavirus crisis, it is important to not only consider the human health as part of the response, but also planetary health. This includes minimizing additional risks such as poor air quality, which is linked to a number of respiratory illnesses and may exacerbate symptoms related to COVID-19 and add burden to the already stressed health infrastructure.

The global health crisis has left us no choice but to demand a transformative future where more adaptable, flexible, multi-purpose and inclusive infrastructure can help society stay resilient in the face of looming threats.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) has unleashed a global health emergency and an unprecedented economic crisis. In addition to the loss of life and income, the pandemic threatens human capital, as many people are out of work, essential services disrupted, food supplies affected, and schools closed.

This blog post shares insightful information upon carbon pollution.

Although the news has been dominated by the coronavirus pandemic, there are still good news stories to be found when it comes to sustainable development and climate change.

Over the next 6-18 months, it is estimated that countries will invest more than US$ 20 trillion to recover from the fallout of COVID-19, with the global economy expected to shrink by 3% this year. The makeup of these financial decisions will define the shape of our societies and economies for decades to come.

At the same time, the planet is facing a climate emergency. While the impacts of COVID-19 could cause greenhouse gas emissions to fall by 4-7% in 2020,  any respite is likely to be temporary. Upon the restart of economic activity, air pollution levels in some countries have quickly returned to their pre-lockdown state, while in others existing environmental regulations have been put on hold. Countries need to remain assertive and tackle the climate emergency, and COVID-19, with a proactive response.

This blog post highlights the urgent need to shift the current financial paradigm to a more resilient, risk-reducing, sustainable finance system.

Ecosystems provide us with the water we drink, the food we eat, the fibers we use in clothing and biochemicals that are used in medicine. They also play a crucial role in stabilizing the climate, generating oxygen and absorbing carbon emissions. But ecosystems around the world are in danger.

In the face of deep economic and social crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, some countries and business groups have been calling for a temporary easing of environmental rules. In fact, many stimulus measures show a significant lack of consideration when it comes to addressing environmental sustainability. Giving up on some environmental commitments to address short-term social and economic priorities would be a mistake.

Can the UN Sustainable Development Goals be achieved on time by the 2030 deadline? The apparent answer is no. Najib Saab, Secretary-General of the Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED), explains.