Will Covid-19 crowd out the agenda for climate change and other pressing issues?

Perhaps not, but it has revealed misplaced priorities and gaps in what's left to be done by governments, the private sector and individuals. The window for action remains open.

Published Wed, May 13, 2020 · 09:50 PM

Climate change

OVER the course of the past three epoch-defining months, humanity has come together to take unprecedented support measures to deal with the Covid-19 outbreak. So far, the announced fiscal and monetary measures from governments around the world, aimed at supporting the livelihood of individuals and survival of companies and industries, amount to close to US$7 trillion - around 7 per cent of global GDP.

The cost of dealing with this crisis will manifest in large increases in fiscal deficits and debt in virtually all economies, and it will be years before we make up for the jobs and output being lost presently.

When the pandemic ends, will we be so exhausted from the ordeal that we will lose interest in other matters of critical importance? Will we be so impoverished that our generosity to help in important causes will dissipate, and governments be loath to spend on priority areas?