- COVID-19 presents an unprecedented challenge to all facets of human endeavour.
- Researchers at the University of 91直播 have undertaken a critical review of the impact of the pandemic on the global economy and ecosystems.
- Researchers highlight the danger of relying on pandemic-driven benefits to achieve sustainable development goals.
- The study outlines sector-specific circular economy recommendations in a resilient post-COVID-19 world.
A new study by researchers at the University of 91直播 presents a critical review of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy and ecosystems. The paper offers perspectives on how environmental benefits can be leveraged to steer towards a better, more resilient low-carbon economy.
Researchers from the Energy Institute have highlighted the danger of relying on pandemic-driven benefits to achieve sustainable development goals. Their study has emphasised a need for a decisive, fundamental structural change to the dynamics of how we live.
Stringent measures introduced by world governments that aimed to limit the transmission rate of COVID-19, have shattered the core sustaining pillars of modern world economies as global trade and cooperation succumbed to a nationalist focus and competition for scarce supplies.
During the earlier days and months of the pandemic we saw increased levels of panic buying due to uncertainties at national and individual levels. This exposed the fragility, profiteering and unsustainability of the existing supply chain model. The pandemic has also offered certain perceived benefits in terms of environmental sustainability. Due to lockdown measures, industrial activities dropped, causing significant reductions in air pollution from exhaust fumes, power plants and other sources of fuel combustion emissions in most cities across the globe, allowing for improved air quality.
The , co-authored by Professor Lenny Koh, argues for a rethink of the present global economic growth model that is shaped by a linear economy system and sustained by profiteering and energy-gulping manufacturing processes. The paper recommends that we move to a more sustainable circular economy model.
The term circular economy refers to an approach to economic development designed to benefit businesses, society and the environment. The model moves away from the 'take-make-waste' economy and towards a regenerative system.
Building on evidence in support of circular economy as a vehicle for accomplishing profit with minimal environmental damage, the paper outlines sector-specific recommendations on circular-economy related solutions as a catalyst for the global economic growth and development post-COVID-19. Recommendations include:
- Local manufacturing and re-manufacturing of essential medical accessories
- Circular economy strategies for managing hospital medical and general waste
- Embracing resource efficiency in the construction and built environment
- Opportunities for a circular economy in the transport and mobility sector
- Bio-cycle economy and the food sector
- Sustaining improvements in air quality
Professor Lenny Koh, Head of Communication, Partnerships and Internationalisation for the Energy Institute explains, 鈥淎s we rise to the challenges imposed by COVID-19, the question is no longer should we build back better, but instead how can we build back better? By adopting the circular economy principle, we can alleviate some of the detrimental effects of COVID-19 pandemic in the future by improving supply chain resilience, ensuring a systematic shift to renewable energy, and by utilising smart materials, smart re-manufacturing and digital technology.鈥
鈥淭hese opportunities are timely and fit for purpose, contributing to achieving the green recovery and net zero targets in the UK, sustainable global economies and ecosystems, and the SDG 2030 agenda globally.鈥
The research is part of the Energy Institute at the University of 91直播 which brings together pioneering researchers who are passionate about changing the world and transforming lives through innovative, interdisciplinary research.