Covid 19: Measures for economic recovery could be the means for climate action. - Greenpeace

Summary of suggestions for ensuring the economic recovery from Covid 19 aids the change we need to avoid climate catastrophe.

• Dont bail out industries that would need a second bail out down the line in order to operate in a carbon restricted world.

• Bailouts and stimulus funds need to be tied to social benefits – if we’re paying for companies to provide continued employment, make that a clause in the contract. 

• Where there is potential demand for transport, energy or other goods, let’s fill the gaps by supporting companies that can provide low-carbon solutions that solve two problems for the price of one.

• When we’re building houses, let’s make them zero carbon and not build them on flood plains. In fact, let’s build some more flood defences while we’re at it.

• When we design government schemes to get laid off workers back into work, let’s give them decent jobs with a real future. That means jobs that won’t need a second bailout to cope with tightening restrictions on carbon pollution.

Also:

Last week, International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol urged political and financial leaders to drive global climate action through their economic stimulus packages. As well as promoting economic recovery, Birol suggests they could also accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources.