The COVID-19 pandemic as a pivot point for biological conservation
Amanda E. Bates, Sangeeta Mangubhai, Celene Milanés Batista, Kuʻulei S. Rodgers, Valeria Vergara
Abstract
The COVID-19 lockdown reduced human mobility and led to immediate insights into how humans impact nature. Yet the strongest ecological impacts are likely to come. As we emerge from the pandemic, governments should avoid prioritizing short-term economic gains that compromise ecosystems and the services they provide humanity. Instead, the pandemic can be a pivot point for societal transformation to value longer term ecosystem and economic sustainability.
Topics & Concepts
PandemicCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)2019-20 coronavirus outbreakEcosystem servicesSustainabilityTerm (time)EcosystemEnvironmental resource managementCompromiseValue (mathematics)Natural resource economicsEnvironmental planningBusinessGeographyEcologyEconomicsPolitical scienceBiologyComputer scienceVirologyMedicinePathologyInfectious disease (medical specialty)LawDiseaseMachine learningQuantum mechanicsOutbreakPhysicsCOVID-19 impact on air qualityZoonotic diseases and public healthHealthcare and Environmental Waste Management