Environmental Impact of COVID-19: Sustainable Energy, Climate, and Societal Shifts
As the world marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, no one could have foreseen the gravity of our current climate crisis – or how a once-in-a-generation global pandemic would be part of the conversation. How will COVID-19 impact renewable energy growth and climate policy, and what potential exists for enduring climate benefits from our unplanned social experiment?
Join Peter Fox-Penner, Director of BU’s Institute for Sustainable Energy (ISE) (now the Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability, IGS), and IGS Senior Fellow, Phil Warburg, for their expert insights and outlooks.
Phil Warburg begins with an exploration of the potential lasting changes in the American approach to work, travel, and family life. He also discusses their energy implications, including prospects for reducing carbon emissions through broader, more equitable access to locally produced renewable energy.
Peter Fox-Penner then shares his perspective on the short- and long-term energy sector trends to watch, including economy-driven demand reductions, sustained momentum for clean energy initiatives, effects of lower oil and gas prices on renewables, and supply chain disruptions.
Related IGS Commentary
- The Brink, In Boston, COVID-19 and Climate Change Are Hitting the Same Communities the Hardest
- The Boston Globe, This Crisis Provides a Very Green Opportunity
- The Conversation, Covid-19 Will Slow the Global Shift to Renewable Energy, but Can’t Stop It
- WBUR, Coronavirus And Climate Change: 2 Compelling Reasons To Stay Close To Home
After their presentations, both Phil Warburg and Peter Fox-Penner take questions from the audience.