COVID-19 Pandemic | ||
The repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, both on economic and societal fronts, pose an additional hurdle to the pursuit of sustainability. While initial lockdowns and significant shifts in economic activities led to noteworthy improvements in air quality and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the accompanying toll on human health and economic well-being was severe. Presently, policymakers find themselves at a pivotal juncture with an opportunity to reconstruct their economies and societies with a heightened focus on sustainability, aiming to preserve the gains made in environmental health and ecosystem vitality during the pandemic. Regrettably, recent data indicates that this opportunity is being squandered by policymakers in many parts of the world. Air pollution has rebounded to levels observed before the pandemic in nearly all regions, mirroring the resurgence of greenhouse gas emissions in numerous countries. The pandemic's impact has also steered the world away from a circular economy, resulting in the generation of millions of tons of plastic waste due to the widespread use of facemasks, plastic food containers, and protective equipment in healthcare systems and among the general population. The urgency to address these challenges and refocus on sustainable practices is increasingly evident in the face of current trends. LATEST INFO for MAURITIUS: Worldometer |  | |
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