Green Recovery from COVID-19

The NDC Partnership's Economic Advisory Initiative is continuing to embed economic advisors in the planning and finance ministries of 34 developing countries, with support from 13 of its members, in order to put climate action at the heart of COVID-19 recovery. To date, 35 advisors have been deployed in 24 countries, with recruitment underway in another 10 countries.

Traditional recovery followed by conventional stabilisation or recalibrated recovery followed by resilient stabilisation? Which scenario should governments and businesses pursue to ensure a sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in the long term?

According to an emerging analysis by Vivid Economics, for every single euro invested through the EU member states' National Resilience and Recovery Plans, only less than 2 cents benefit nature. This is a huge missed opportunity for jobs, economic stimulus, emission reductions and biodiversity gains - in contrast to what the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has described the EU Recovery Plans as "the opportunity of the century". Despite a wide array of available reports, tools, and guidance, there is still much work to be done in order to convince decision-makers of the significant benefits that climate-positive and nature-based solutions can offer as part of their recovery plans.

Everyone is talking about 'building back better' from the pandemic, but what does that really mean? Which recovery plans prioritise green jobs, promote sustainability and prioritise equality?

Working with our partners on the ground around the world, we've been tracking how different countries are responding - and we're focused particularly on more structural policy changes. We've tracked 20 so far. More to come soon.

Quick glimpse here - do let us know what you think - and get in touch with us at the Green Economy Coalition if you wanted to connect on the Recovery agenda.

IEA's latest Global Energy Review predicts that energy-related carbon-dioxide emissions will rise by 1.5 gigatonnes to 33 gigatonnes in 2021, an increase of almost 5% - the largest since 2010 following the global financial crisis 2007-2009 as governments invested on carbon-intensive projects to pick up their economies. If this prediction is proven then it will be a clear warning that the economic recovery from the COVID crisis is unsustainable for our climate.

Two geologists walk into a bar. The first one says to the bartender, “You know, soon there’s going to be a shortage of sand.” The bartender looks up, waiting for the punchline. The second geologist says, “He’s not kidding and that’s not a joke.”... [It’s an increasing concern, particularly as] Consumption [is anticipated to] accelerate as governments resume infrastructure projects that were postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic...

Food Supply Pressure in France and Germany During COVID-19
Causes from Manufacturing

AfDB President Dr Akinwumi Adesina reminded global audiences of the continent’s vast opportunities for green growth at the recent European Union-Africa Green Investment Forum.