The COVID-19 Pause: A Warning and an Opportunity for Climate Action
- Olivia J Mathai
- Oct 15
- 4 min read
By: Olivia Mathai
The global COVID-19 lockdowns, while challenging, offered a rare glimpse into a less polluted world. Early in the pandemic, images of remarkably clear water in the Venice canals circulated widely. This reduction in pollution, attributed to the halt in tourism and general traffic, allowed fish to be seen in the water for the first time in years. Similar instances of environmental improvement were documented across the globe as human activity slowed.
Lama El-Hatow, an environmental and social consultant at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), suggests that the forced pause had a positive environmental impact, but stresses that the true measure will be in how the world chooses to return to "normal." During a talk hosted by Alternative Policy Solutions, El-Hatow presented an alarming perspective, illustrating future global threats as a series of increasing tsunami waves: COVID-19 as the first, smaller wave, followed by larger crises like economic recession, climate change, and biodiversity collapse.
"We all ask when this disaster will end and how, but we need to keep in mind that there are a lot of other bigger crises that will follow," El-Hatow warned.
The Intertwined Crises: Climate Change and Pandemics
The consultant argues that COVID-19 and climate change cannot be treated as separate issues. If they are, the end of the pandemic will likely be followed by even harsher climate change repercussions and the emergence of new viruses.
This connection is critical considering the origins of the coronavirus itself in nature. Research indicates the virus moved from animals to humans in China's wet markets. Infectious diseases, many of which are zoonotic (meaning they originate in animals), often result from human disruption of natural ecosystems. AIDS, Ebola, swine flu, and mad cow disease are other examples of diseases linked to this disruption.
The destruction of ecosystems, such as through deforestation, is the root cause. When natural animal habitats are destroyed, animals are forced to migrate or are brought into captivity, increasing their direct contact with human populations and thus creating an imbalance that facilitates the transfer of disease. El-Hatow noted a direct correlation, citing a study that a mere 4 percent deforestation in the Amazon could cause a 50 percent increase in malaria cases.
Unintentional Lessons from the Global Response
The methods used to curb the spread of COVID-19—lockdowns, travel bans, working from home, and reduced transportation—briefly reduced global emissions and offered a blueprint for addressing climate change. For instance, the World Bank, where El-Hatow works, canceled its large annual in-person meeting, holding it virtually instead. This single decision resulted in a reduction of 79,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, a quantity equivalent to the emissions from deforesting large areas of the Hawaiian Islands.
However, the question remains whether these positive environmental effects will be short-lived. The economic disruption was severe, with skyrocketing unemployment and affected global supply chains. Furthermore, human consumption, while initially shifting away from areas like luxury goods, showed signs of rebounding fiercely. El-Hatow points to "revenge purchasing," citing the reopening of an Hermès store in China where luxury goods sales hit approximately $3 million, as an indicator that pollution and high consumption rates could return with harsher impacts.
Charting a Sustainable Recovery
Returning to "normal" must be accompanied by new thinking, based on the lessons learned from the pandemic. The adaptation to remote work, online learning, and digital entertainment has demonstrated that "business as usual" may never need to look the same.
A sustainable recovery is deeply tied to people's behavior. El-Hatow told the Cairo Review that individuals need awareness of how their consumption habits impact the world. The private sector must also encourage and invest in digital solutions like remote work, e-learning, and e-commerce.
This transition is complicated by social disparities, as many in lower-income households and the informal economy lack internet access and are more vulnerable to health and climate hazards. With the World Bank predicting the deepest global recession since World War II, governments must work together to balance economic recovery with human and planetary health.
El-Hatow stressed the need for:
Social inclusion in health care and education infrastructure.
Investments in renewable energy.
A widespread move to a more comprehensive digital economy encompassing e-commerce, e-payments, e-learning, and e-governance.
The shared experience of the pandemic has fostered a sense of global solidarity and a newfound awareness that human behavior directly impacts our collective carbon footprint, providing a foundation upon which to build a more sustainable future.
Take the Next Step Toward Sustainability
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed our vulnerability to global crises and the clear link between environmental health and human well-being. The temporary dip in global emissions served as a wake-up call, but also demonstrated the immense potential for change when organizations and individuals are motivated to act.
The challenge now is to internalize these lessons and build a permanent, resilient, and sustainable operating model. This shift requires more than just awareness; it demands actionable strategies, verifiable data, and a commitment to regulatory compliance.
DT Master Carbon is a powerful solution designed to help companies take this critical next step. By providing advanced tools for tracking, analyzing, and reducing your environmental impact, DT Master Carbon can help your company not only become more sustainable but also fully compliant with evolving global environmental regulations.
Don't let the lessons of the pandemic fade. Use the shared experience of this global event to transition from awareness to action. Invest in DT Master Carbon today to future-proof your business, protect our planet, and lead the charge for a truly sustainable recovery.