The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Blessing For Planetary Health Amidst Climate Crisis

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IJEP 41(2): 130-140 : Vol. 41 Issue. 2 (February 2021)

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Aveek Ghosh1*, Rubaid Naskar2 and Sushovan Sarkar3

1. Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Department of Architecture and Planning, Nagpur – 440 010, Maharashtra, India
2. Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Architecture and Planning, Trondheim, Norway
3. Dr Sudhir Chandra Sur Institute of Technology, Civil Engineering Department, Kolkata – 700 074, West Bengal, India

Abstract

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in late December 2019 has led to the global outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Due to its large infectivity and transmissibility, the spread of COVID-19 has put lives and livelihoods at risk. Even though the COVID-19 global outbreak has been termed a defining event, the wider implications have been felt for a longer period. In recent decades, there have been growing concerns within the health and environmental sectors due to climate emergency. Noticeably, there has been a marked increase in the frequency of extreme events, zoonotic diseases and climate-related disasters, posing a substantial threat to society while pushing them beyond their carrying capacity. Thus, the ongoing pandemic and climate crisis may have a tenuous causal association. Conversely, the outbreak has also emanated multiple positive environmental manifestations. The pandemic has resulted in cleaner air and water, alongwith a significant reduction in the emission levels while allowing wildlife and biodiversity to bounce back. The current study aims to assess the immediate and short-term effects of the pandemic while forecasting the medium and long-term impact on the global environment. The study explores the possibility of adopting a global blueprint using the concept of one health and planetary health for long-term sustainability. This study can be a great help for environmental scientists, policymakers and climate professionals to formulate environment responsive climate action plans in a post-pandemic world.

Keywords

COVID-19, Pandemic, Environment, One health, Planetary health, Climate crisis

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