IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON CLIMATE CHANGE

WHAT’S THE IMPACT

OF COVID-19 ON CLIMATE CHANGE?

Recently we have been faced by a terrible pandemic - COVID-19 - but what about another major issue that faces our world: climate change? How has the way we have dealt with COVID-19 impacted climate change around the world?

Some positive ways COVID-19 has affected climate change include less international transport; more cycling; less traffic congestion; extensions for climate change plans and economic stimuli driven towards reducing carbon emissions.

More cycling

There has been an increase in the number of cyclists and pedestrians. This is because many cities have introduced more cycle lanes and closed roads for pedestrians, to promote cycling and walking as an alternative to public transport, with less contact with others.

For example, New York has introduced ‘Slow Streets’ which banned cars from being on these roads. And as of May 2020, Paris has opened around 400 miles of cycle path. These initiatives result in less carbon dioxide pollution from public transport.

Extensions for climate concerned plans

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, renewable energy extensions have been given by the U.S. Treasury Department to renewable energy facilities. This gives them more time to take advantage of the tax credits. Therefore, the facilities now have five years (instead of four) to complete their projects, and still be able to benefit from lower tax.

Economic stimuli

Governments are also using economic stimuli to help the economy get through COVID-19 restrictions: they are trying to keep the economy stable to avoid another financial recession. Therefore, the UK Government has introduced some tax cuts. The Government is directing much of its tax cuts to promote green investment in initiatives that will help us get to the 2050 carbon neutral aim.

However, there are also ways COVID-19 could negatively impact climate change. This includes delays in international negotiations concerning our climate change, deforestation in the Amazon increasing, more plastic being produced, and less money for climate resilience.

Delayed international negotiations

Many international negotiations concerning the environment have been delayed because of COVID-19. Countries involved in COP26 (a “club” of nations planning to tackle climate change) have postponed negotiations for a year, meaning we are losing even more time to deal with the pressing matter of global warming. This will, however, go ahead in November 2021.

Increased deforestation

Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest is also a problem. Since Brazil was hit hard by the virus, illegal miners and loggers are taking advantage of the authorities’ loss of attention, to cut down large amounts of trees in the Amazon. Between January and April 2020, 464 square miles of rainforest were demolished. That is 55% more than the area destroyed in the whole of 2019!

Less money for climate resilience

There will be less money for climate resilience and renewable energy. This is because there is a large global need for more emergency services and medical equipment. This, along with the reduction in tax to support local people and companies, will result in many countries having to postpone and divert funding away from climate resilience projects and renewable energy.

In conclusion, it is true that COVID-19 restrictions have impacted climate change in a positive way so far. On 7th April 2020, global carbon emissions were 17 per cent