Short‑ and Long‑Term Effects of COVID‑19 on Energy and Environment
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Short‑term environmental benefits (lower emissions and local air pollution) were observed early in the crisis. Research led by Yale University indicates that the downturn may harm long‑term clean‑energy investments. If investments stall, an additional 2.5 billion metric tons of CO₂ per month could be emitted by 2035, outweighing emissions reductions seen from March to June. Policymakers can accelerate or slow clean energy; even modest stimulus investments in clean technologies could yield long‑term positive impacts.