Record decline in global CO2 emissions prompted by COVID-19 pandemic and its implications on future climate change policies

The year 2020 has witnessed the extraordinary impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Across the globe, countries and cities took drastic measures in the attempt to halt the spread of the virus that led to the sudden cease of major economic and transportation activities. As a result, the temporary lockdown periods prompted sharp declines in daily global CO2 emissions. Moreover, the positive impacts on the local environment were evident from reduced production and movements among cities and regions around the world. While there is a much greater sense of urgency in addressing the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, the efforts in curbing global carbon emissions and mitigating the potential irreversible consequences of climate change are as equally important in these times of uncertainty. Taking advantage of the COVID-19 recovery schemes to concurrently boost the climate agenda is regarded as a strategic opportunity to ensure a sustainable path for a post-pandemic world. As governments still grapple with the fallout of the pandemic, implications on future climate change policy remain a subject of further investigation. This review aims to examine the effects of COVID-19-related lockdowns on global CO2 emissions while highlighting the need for synchronized solutions to tackle the double threat caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic and climate change crisis.

Automated summary

The year 2020 saw the significant impact of the COVID-19 outbreak worldwide, leading to a sharp decline in global CO2 emissions and reduced production and movements among cities and regions. Addressing climate change remains crucial during and after the pandemic, and leveraging COVID-19 recovery plans to advance the climate agenda is seen as a strategic opportunity.