COVID-19 will not slow the climate crisis. Only sound policy can.

From Science Daily

Highlights

Energy and climate policy researchers in Switzerland and Germany support policies allowing a clean energy transition guide the COVID-19 economic response.

• The researchers suggest investing in solutions that would advance Paris Agreement climate goals and dismantle systems that hurt global emissions goals
• Though there are fewer emissions due to shelter in place mandates, it does not mean any significant reductions in climate change impacts in the long term
• By investing in the clean energy transition, the world could advance structural changes that would decarbonize the energy sector
• Tobias S. Schmidt of ETH Zurich notes that previous economic recessions resulted in higher emissions once the economy stabilizes:

“It is essential that we not repeat the mistakes of the post-financial crisis bailouts, which often led to massive increases in CO2 emissions,” 

• Future policy research should develop “shock-proof” policies that can withstand other future disasters 

Fossil fuel divestment and the transition to 100% clean energy is critical to achieving The Climate Center’s goals under the Climate-Safe California Platform.

Read more: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/04/200429152825.htm

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Nina Turner

Nina is a graduate of the Energy Management and Design program at Sonoma State University. She has experience in non-profits that specialize in sustainability and volunteerism. Nina is currently the Energy Program Coordinator and produces the bi-weekly Clean Power Exchange newsletter.

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