Interactions between two existential threats: COVID-19 and climate change

• Published in: Climate risk management Vol. 34; p. 100363
• Main Authors: Ebi, Kristie L., Bowen, Kathryn J., Calkins, Julie, Chen, Minpeng, Huq, Saleemul, Nalau, Johanna, Palutikof, Jean P., Rosenzweig, Cynthia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Goddard Space Flight Center Elsevier B.V 01.01.2021; Elsevier; The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V
• Subjects: Climate change adaptation; COVID-19; Meteorology And Climatology; Policy implications; Synergies; Trade-offs; COVID-19; Climate change adaptation; Trade-offs; Synergies; Policy implications; Trade-Offs; Climate Change Adaptation; Covid-19; Policy Implications
• ISSN: 2212-0963; 2212-0963
• DOI: 10.1016/j.crm.2021.100363

The COVID-19 pandemic and climate change are complex existential threats, unpredictable in many ways and unprecedented in modern times. There are parallels between the scale and scope of their impacts and responses. Understanding shared drivers, coupled vulnerabilities, and criteria for effective responses will help societies worldwide prepare for the simultaneous threats of climate change and future pandemics. We summarize some shared characteristics of COVID-19 and climate change impacts and interventions and discuss key policy implications and recommendations.