It is far from clear whether the responses to the COVID-19 crisis will be such that they lead to a more sustainable future or simply trigger knee-jerk responses that prop up polluting activities that risk creating more problems in the future and making people more vulnerable. Climate change, chemical pollution, and the drivers of biodiversity loss such as deforestation and illegal wildlife trade may increase the risk of further pandemics and their impact. Indeed, research suggests that the emergence of new human diseases is closely linked to loss and degradation of ecosystems and habitats, which in turn are driven by climate change, resource extraction, urban and agricultural expansion, and pollution - all problems meant to be addressed by prioritising environmental action, notably through the European Green Deal.
This paper proposes five priorities for leaders to keep in mind when emerging from the COVID-19 crisis in order to ensure a more sustainable future: