Facing the global COVID-19 crisis, humanity is dealing with an unprecedented challenge. Next to severe impacts on the health system, we are confronted with the biggest economic collapse since the Great Depression. The national and international recovery programs will be larger than those seen after the global \inancial crisis in 2008. They will determine our infrastructure for decades to come.
Therefore, it is crucial to combine upcoming recovery programs and the following recovery plans with zero carbon development plans and green deals. We need to build an economy and a society that is more resilient, more inclusive, more renewable and healthier, improving the way of life of all citizens around the globe. Instead of managing acute symptoms of the crisis, government should develop a longer-term vision when designing COVID19 recovery programs – with renewable energies at the core. This crisis is an opportunity for fast-tracking the global energy transition.
Many countries have already set up stimulus packages for economic recovery. However, many of the least developed countries might lack the financial strength to set up national recovery programs. Only 29 out of 69 countries with per-capita GDP of $10,000 or less have established ambitious stimulus packages. Therefore, international support will be crucial for those countries.
Dr. David Jacobs, IET – International Energy Transition GmbH
Anna Leidreiter, World Future Council
Anna Skowron, World Future Council
Stefan Schurig, World Future Council