The decision to postpone COP26 is a dangerous omen of how environmental matters could be kicked into the long grass post-Covid. Why not hold the conference virtually to demonstrate that we are prepared to act on climate change?
Could Sustainable Planning prevent another crisis?
13 May 20
The Government is dealing with an unprecedented crisis. In order to avert a healthcare disaster, drastic steps have been taken to keep people safe. These steps were taken almost overnight, with the Government mobilising thousands of workers to equip hospitals and testing centres, and to protect those affected financially. Although epidemiologists had warned of this, it’s not unreasonable to say that this current crisis was unexpected. The daily Government briefings hang on the work and recommendations of scientific advisors. Suddenly experts are back in vogue.
We’ve all become accustomed to reading exponential graphs. The grim tally of the Coronavirus’ increasing toll races skyward as we hope that the effects of the lockdown lessen the gradient.
In the background, there’s another set of experts with another set of exponential graphs, predicting another crisis. The climate scientists’ predictions of rising carbon dioxide levels, increasing temperatures and growing economic impact now look scarily familiar. There’s more than one curve we need to flatten.
The Government has shown that it’s capable of mobilising in the face of a crisis. And we need it to do so again. If action is taken now, there doesn’t need to be a climate-related recession. Effectively planned for, we can decouple economic sustainability from carbon dioxide emissions without paralysing the economy. But we’ve got to act and plan, not react when it’s too late. The Stern Review, released 14 years ago, stated that the long-term financial costs of climate change would be far greater if we did nothing. That’s not to say that no action has been taken, but it’s clearly not enough; 2019 was the second warmest year on record.
The decision to postpone COP26 is a dangerous omen of how environmental matters could be kicked into the long grass post-Covid. Why not hold the conference virtually to demonstrate that we are prepared to act on climate change?
As oil prices remain floored, even the oil and gas industry is calling for a transition to net zero emissions. Government action has to capitalise on this potential, building on the recent funding announced to prioritise active travel and reallocate road space for cyclists and pedestrians.
We’re already taking the action needed as individuals. We’re cycling, running, growing, making and learning. Local administrations across Europe are already working out how more commuters can use bikes to get into work. Urban designers are looking at how we provide more access to green space, especially for those without gardens. High-speed digital infrastructure has cemented its place as the 5th utility. The flexibility of our new working practices also means we need to look closely at how we enable people to effectively work from home.
We’re becoming more sustainable without realising. Air quality is better. Carbon dioxide emissions are down. As the Government takes tentative steps to reopen businesses in the next few weeks, let’s see how we can retain the sustainable behaviours we’ve picked up during the lockdown.
Stay safe is the new sign off. Let’s show we really mean it.
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