Vital COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Packages Pose a Challenge for Long-Term Environmental Sustainability

Allam, Zaheer

With the coronavirus (COVID-19) grappling the world and forcing global economic engines to a standstill, numerous sectors are impacted. As a response plan, numerous governments are turning toward economic mechanisms to support both local and national economies. While those are hailed, as the number for unemployment rises, economic stimulus packages are in essence a short-term solution but with the potential to impact on the long-term socioeconomic fabric. In this respect, if not carefully crafted, those emergency economic packages can bailout heavy and polluting industries, hence posing a long-term problem for the actualization of sustainability agendas and commitments. This chapter explores this scenario, supported by trends from past recessions, and further outlines the need for short-term economic emergency response plans while keeping in line with long-term sustainability needs.