Climate Risk Management (Jan 2021)

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

  • Kristie L. Ebi,
  • Kathryn J. Bowen,
  • Julie Calkins,
  • Minpeng Chen,
  • Saleemul Huq,
  • Johanna Nalau,
  • Jean P. Palutikof,
  • Cynthia Rosenzweig

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 34
p. 100363

Abstract

Read online

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.

Keywords