The UN Secretary General has called on countries to link COVID-19 business bailouts with requirements for sustainable growth and green job creation.
Antonio Guterres is urging the world not to forget about the “deeper emergency” we are facing as Government’s respond to the outbreak.
He issued the warning as online events are being held to mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.
The #COVID19 crisis is an unprecedented wake-up call.
We need to turn the recovery into a real opportunity to build a better future.
On this #EarthDay, join me in demanding a healthy and resilient future for people & planet. pic.twitter.com/tVvTpiRrEf
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 21, 2020
“The impact of the coronavirus is both immediate and dreadful,” he said. “But there is another deep emergency – the planet’s unfolding environmental crisis.”
“Biodiversity is in steep decline. Climate disruption is approaching a point of no return. We must act decisively to protect our planet from both the coronavirus and the existential threat of climate disruption.”
He said countries must work to turn the recovery from the pandemic into a “real opportunity to do things right for the future.
He set out six actions to shape the international recovery from the outbreak.
- The “huge amounts of money” spent on recovery must deliver new jobs and businesses through a clean, green transition
- Where taxpayers’ money is used to rescue businesses, it needs to be tied to achieving green jobs and sustainable growth
- Fiscal firepower must drive a shift from the grey to green economy and make societies and people more resilient
- Public funds must be invested in climate friendly sustainable projects and subsidies for fossil fuels must end
- Climate risks and opportunities must be incorporated into the financial system and public policy
- The international community must work together to fend-off the crises
He was speaking as a number of major cities pledged to increase cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in response to the outbreak.
Milan has announced a new plan that will see 35km of new cycle paths with footpaths widened to allow the city to safely reopen as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
The lockdown has seen a major reduction in air pollution around the world – with nitrogen dioxide levels down 54% in Paris and 45% in Madrid, Milan and Rome.
Wherever you are around our Earth, you are not alone. 🌎
Our planet is our home, let's make sure we respect and protect it. 💚
Happy #EarthDay! pic.twitter.com/KEOaOvXrsh
— Greens/EFA in the EU Parliament 🌍 (@GreensEFA) April 22, 2020
The Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA) has warned that the world “won’t get another shot” at a green recovery from the pandemic.
GHCA Executive Director Jeni Miller said: “Only a global green recovery can sustain a safe and healthy future for all.”
“Our health is a truly global issue. We must choose a sustainable path for our planet, to prevent further crises and protect lives.”
🚶🚴♂️ Whenever feasible, consider riding a bicycle or walking to provide physical distancing and daily physical activity. #COVID19 #coronavirus
For more info 👉 https://t.co/gJwybDZUSk pic.twitter.com/ECKFNoSOoC
— WHO/Europe (@WHO_Europe) April 21, 2020
In Ireland Friends of the Earth is urging people around the country to phone their TDs this evening and call for “faster and fairer climate action” to form a central part of any new programme for government.
Aine O'Gorman from the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition said: “This is a new way of campaigning for all of us.”
“We cannot meet in person, so we are taking to the phones together this evening to make sure our politicians continue to hear our call for climate action.
“This is our third call-a-thon and we have found it is a very effective way of supporting people to take that step and actually speak to their TD.
“Making sure our elected representatives know what is important to us is essential. Phoning them to tell them is empowering.”
Reminder - #EarthDay Call-a-thon 5pm
Join us to call our TDs together asking them to include faster & fairer #ClimateAction in programme for government.
Register here: https://t.co/oLN1GKh8u8Email your TD: https://t.co/ML6WsJ81p8
Read full SCC response: https://t.co/wZkaBB5vp1 pic.twitter.com/CdXuhiLzRs— Stop Climate Chaos (@SCC_Ireland) April 22, 2020
Anyone who wants to get involved can register to join a conference call here before individually calling phoning their TD.
