Governments are being warned not to redirect resources earmarked for climate change to recovery efforts after the coronavirus pandemic is controlled.
Global carbon dioxide emissions are expected to fall by up to 11 per cent this year because of the coronavirus’ impact on business and industry, but could rise more than initially projected if environmental policies are not implemented.
AAP Newsagency reports the Climate Action Tracker (CAT) estimates fossil fuel and industry emissions to fall between four to 11 per cent compared to last year, and even up to nine per cent in 2021.
CAT said governments should adopt green stimulus packages to help with recovery after the pandemic, to help both the economy and the environment.
If that’s not done, analysis shows emissions could rebound and overshoot 2030 projections despite lower economic growth in that period.
Climate Analytics CEO and senior scientist Dr Bill Hare said Australia’s conservative Liberal-National government could enhance resilience to climate change post coronavirus.
“But in the worst-case scenario, which involves the kind of fossil fuel rebound we saw after the 2008 global financial crisis, economic stimulus will be obtained at the expense of already-achieved climate policies,” he said.
AAP reports NewClimate Institute’s founder Professor Niklas Hohne said the reduction in emissions caused by coronavirus was likely to only delay an increase.
“If governments divert resources tagged for climate change to address the pandemic, economic recovery from COVID-19 will only plunge the world further into the climate crisis,” he said.
In the energy sector, CAT recommends governments provide direct support for zero emissions technologies while not reviving plans for fossil fuel projects.
When it came to building it said energy efficiency retrofits of buildings should occur.
CAT also called for financial incentives for zero emissions vehicles and to not roll back on emissions standards for cars.
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One Response
As fossil fuel and climate change deaths are many times more than the deaths annually from the CCP corona virus why are we not taking the same drastic action????