2020-21
Alm.del Bilag 25
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Green approaches to COVID-19 recovery:
Policy note for parliamentarians
Background
“The impact of the coronavirus is both immediate and dreadful. But there is another
deep emergency – the planet’s unfolding environmental crisis. Biodiversity is in steep
decline. Climate disruption is approaching a point of no return… The current crisis is an
unprecedented wake-up call. We need to turn the recovery into a real opportunity to do
things right for the future.
1
”
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres
“The path towards carbon reduction must form an important part of our future strategy in
order to build more resilient societies, by transitioning towards a climate-neutral economy,
protecting biodiversity and transforming the agro-food industry. This has the potential to
rapidly deliver jobs and growth and improve the way of life of all citizens everywhere.
2
”
Declaration, Fifth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament
The consequences of COVID-19 and efforts to contain it have led to one of the most
serious recessions in recent history, characterized by, among others, a decline in economic
growth, decreased trade, low business revenues and massive layoffs. Projections indicate
that, in the next two years, the global economy is expected to lose nearly US$ 8.5 trillion
in economic output due to the pandemic.
3
Understandably, the immediate focus for
governments is economic recovery.
There is a link between habitat loss, environmental degradation and climate change
on the one hand and, on the other, the emergence of novel zoonotic diseases that are
transmitted between animals and humans, such as coronaviruses.
4
This link calls for a sound
environmental response to the pandemic.
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For the economic recovery to be effective and long
lasting, it will need to reflect coherently all dimensions of sustainable development, including
the environmental pillar. It will also need to address its effects on the most vulnerable,
including women, children, persons with disabilities and marginalized communities.
There is an urgent need for a socially inclusive COVID-19 recovery that is in line with climate
action and environmental protection.
Parliamentarians are key players in the immediate and long-term recovery efforts,
given their power to enact laws and oversee government policy.
6
While legislation and
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www.un.org/press/en/2020/sgsm20051.doc.htm
www.ipu.org/event/fifth-world-conference-speakers-parliament#event-sub-page-22190/
www.un.org/development/desa/en/news/policy/wesp-mid-2020-report.html
UN Environment Programme, Preventing the Next Pandemic: Zoonotic diseases and how to break the chain of transmission (2020):
www.
unenvironment.org/resources/report/preventing-future-zoonotic-disease-outbreaks-protecting-environment-animals-and.
p. 15–17 and 29.
www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/statement/unep-statement-covid-19
More information on what role parliaments can play during the pandemic:
http://parlamericas.org/uploads/documents/COVID19_and_
Role_of_Parliaments_ENG.pdf.
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policy-making are key drivers for economic recovery, they are also important factors for
addressing the environmental impacts related to COVID-19. Legislative measures taken
now will have long-term effects on the planet’s future.
7
Therefore, parliamentarians have
a critical role to play in ensuring economic recovery efforts are in line with environmental
and development goals, and in seizing the opportunity to “build back better”
.
This policy note sets out some of the key approaches that parliamentarians may wish to
consider in promoting a sustainable and green recovery that will: help build more resilient
economies; contribute to meeting countries’ international commitments under the Paris
Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; and build momentum
towards a strong post-2020 global biodiversity framework.
8
The note highlights only some of the important considerations in legislating for COVID-19
recovery, and links to further resources are provided.
9
While each country may have its
own unique circumstances and considerations, innovatory legislative responses can be
inspirational, and can help drive a sustainable global economic recovery. Parliamentarians
are encouraged to examine examples on the UNEP and IPU websites, and to share with
[email protected]
examples of their national legislative response as it develops, in order to
foster the sharing of lessons learned.
Green economy approaches
The core elements of a green economy are low-carbon development, resource efficiency
and social inclusion.
10
This economic model recognizes natural capital as a key economic
asset,
11
and seeks to drastically reduce waste and limit the resources and energy that
go into consumption and production.
12
An inclusive green economy reduces, reuses and
recycles goods. It invests in renewable energy and public goods that promote communal
use. And it implements policies that internalize and ensure both the equitable use of
environmental resources
13
and the promotion of economic activities that preserve
biodiversity.
14
Green economic policies and laws are vital to transitioning into economic
sectors that ultimately build a resilient economy.
15
These policies and laws may include
ending fossil fuel subsidies, enforcing the
polluter pays
principle, supporting green jobs,
and including green conditionalities in fiscal recovery policies.
Countries’ COVID-19 economic stimulus packages present an opportunity to promote a
green economy. However, most of these packages are not based on a green model. For
instance, according to a survey by Oxford University’s Smith School of Enterprise and the
Environment in April 2020, only 4 per cent of G20 COVID-19 fiscal emergency policies
were green.
16
Since such packages require legislative approval, parliamentarians have
the unique opportunity to promote national economy plans that harmonize economic and
environmental policies.
17
Several green approaches are illustrated below.
1. Green infrastructure
Green infrastructure involves strategically planning a network of natural and seminatural
areas and solutions that can deliver a wide range of ecosystem services, such as water
purification and retention, flood alleviation, air quality improvement, reduced energy use,
space for recreation, and climate mitigation and adaptation. It can improve environmental
conditions, and the health and quality of life of a population.
18
It also helps create jobs
and business opportunities, and promotes sustainable development.
19
Parliaments can
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www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/who-manifesto-for-a-healthy-recovery-from-covid-19.
Linkages between COVID-19 recovery and the SDGs:
www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/covid-19-four-sustainable-
development-goals-help-future-proof-global.
Further examples of legislation to ensure a sustainable economic response to COVID-19:
www.unenvironment.org/covid-19-updates;
and
www.ipu.org/parliaments-in-time-pandemic.
www.unenvironment.org/regions/asia-and-pacific/regional-initiatives/supporting-resource-efficiency/green-economy.
Further details on the green economy concept:
www.unenvironment.org/resources/publication/shades-green-introduction-green-
economy-parliamentarians-issues-brief.
www.unenvironment.org/regions/asia-and-pacific/regional-initiatives/supporting-resource-efficiency/green-economy.
www.unenvironment.org/resources/publication/shades-green-introduction-green-economy-parliamentarians-issues-brief.
www.unenvironment.org/resources/publication/shades-green-introduction-green-economy-parliamentarians-issues-brief.
www.unenvironment.org/regions/asia-and-pacific/regional-initiatives/supporting-resource-efficiency/green-economy.
www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/learning-green-recovery; www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/green-
economy-covid-19-recovery.
www.smithschool.ox.ac.uk/publications/wpapers/workingpaper20-02.pdf.
https://greeneconomytracker.org/policies/national-green-economy-plan.
https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/ecosystems/index_en.htm.
https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/ecosystems/background.htm.
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prioritize laws and regulations that require public investment and incentivize private
investment in green infrastructure,
20
particularly for cities and urban areas, which
consume 78 per cent of the world’s energy, and produce more than 60 per cent of
greenhouse gas emissions.
21
In addition, parliamentarians can use their oversight function
to assess the government’s work towards SDGs such as provision of universal access to
safe, inclusive and accessible green and public spaces.
Parliamentary actions for green infrastructure
• Prioritize laws and regulations that require public investment and incentivize private investment in green
infrastructure, especially in cities and urban areas, which produce the majority of the world’s greenhouse gas
emissions.
• Enact legislation that contributes to creating jobs in green infrastructure and enhances green infrastructure-
related business opportunities.
• Provide parliamentary oversight of government’s work towards SDGs such as provision of universal access to
safe, inclusive and accessible green and public spaces.
Regional and country-level examples
The Republic of Korea plans to spend about US$ 4.84 billion by 2022 on the
green transformation of living infrastructure, which will create 89,000 jobs. The
money will cover transitioning state-run facilities to zero emissions, as well as
implementing new IT-based systems to resolve environmental issues, including
tackling fine particles, low-carbon vehicle manufacturing, air quality management
and environment awareness education.
22
European Union Member States are placing the Green Deal at the heart of the
Union’s main recovery strategy. The Deal includes measures to improve the
sustainability of agriculture, funding for renewable energy, and support for electric
vehicle sales and infrastructure.
23
2. Waste management and circularity
The International Finance Corporation reports that the volume of medical waste
generated globally has increased by about 40 per cent due to COVID-19.
24
This
unprecedented volume of medical and hazardous waste could lead to a spiralling adverse
effect on human health and the environment.
25
Effective mitigation of this situation
involves both emergency waste management measures and longer-term sustainable
approaches. An effective emergency response considers the safe handling and
disposal of biochemical and healthcare waste, including its appropriate identification,
collection, separation, storage, transportation and treatment. It also considers important
associated aspects, such as disinfection, personnel protection and training.
26
COVID-19
also necessitates changes in the treatment of household waste, which now includes
discarded protective equipment, and medicines that may require special collection
methods and waste streams.
27
Sustainable waste management practices, such as
waste treatment and recycling, can, in the long-term, be promoted through legislative
provisions, including on granting tax rebates or waivers for recycling initiatives.
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For example, smart buildings, energy efficient transport systems, green roofing, tree planting, bioretention and infiltration systems,
permeable pavements, green streets and parking, and water harvesting mechanisms:
www.cnt.org/sites/default/files/publications/
CNT_Value-of-Green-Infrastructure.pdf; www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure/what-green-infrastructure.
http://mirror.unhabitat.org/downloads/docs/E_Hot_Cities.pdf.
www.gov.kr/portal/ntnadmNews/2174390; http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/biz/2020/06/367_290494.html.
https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/health/coronavirus-response/recovery-plan-europe_en.
www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/dfbceda0-847d-4c16-9772-15c6afdc8d85/202006-COVID-19-impact-on-waste-sector.pdf?MOD=A-
JPERES&CVID=na-eKpI.
www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/press-release/waste-management-essential-public-service-fight-beat-covid-19.
Examples of guidance on hazardous waste management:
www.basel.int/Implementation/TechnicalMatters/DevelopmentofTechnicalGuide-
lines/TechnicalGuidelines/tabid/8025/Default.aspx; http://bcrc.tsinghua.edu.cn/en/col/1257152450718/index.html.
Initial guidance on household waste treatment:
www.basel.int/Implementation/HouseholdWastePartnership/OverallGuidanceDocument/
tabid/8227/Default.aspx.
More information on COVID-19 waste management: UN Environment Programme, COVID-19 Waste Management Factsheet (policy and
legislation linked to COVID-19 and pandemics):
https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/32777/FS4.pdf?sequence=1&isAl-
lowed=y.
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Since 1970, global resource use has more than tripled.
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If the situation continues,
then by 2060, the extraction of materials will grow far beyond what the planet can
sustain.
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Parliaments may therefore wish to consider mainstreaming sustainable
consumption and production (SCP) into all aspects of COVID-19 recovery planning
and economic development overall.
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SCP involves using resources more efficiently.
Its benefits include saving on costs, stimulating economic growth, generating jobs,
preventing future economic crises, building resilience,
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and contributing to achieving the
1.5 °C temperature goal under the Paris Agreement.
33
A key means of achieving SCP will be through circularity. Circularity aims to restore,
regenerate and reuse materials to promote the efficient and sustainable management of
natural resources throughout their life cycle.
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Maintaining the value or extending the
shelf life of products through value-retention practices, such as remanufacturing,
refurbishment, repair and reuse, could reduce the amount of new materials needed and
cut industrial waste by between 80 and 99 per cent, and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by 79 to 99 per cent in some sectors.
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Such practices could form an important
part of the immediate post-COVID-19 response.
Figure 1
UNEP Circularity Approach
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UNEP
circularity
approach
production
extraction
ce
redu
esi
by d
gn
remanufacture
recycle
refurbish
repurpose
repair
reuse
reduce
Circular economy processes
yellow
Guiding principle
blue
Business to business
green
User to business
purple
User to user
grey
Linear economy model
end of use
use
refuse
United Nations Environment Programme (2019), UNEP circularity platform.
www.unenvironment.org/circularity
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35
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https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/31276/RMB_Strategy2020.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y.
https://buildingcircularity.org/
https://buildingcircularity.org/; www.unenvironment.org/explore-topics/resource-efficiency/what-we-do/sustainable-consumption-and-
production-policies.
There are economic benefits of SCP. For example, it is estimated that investing US$ 900 billion in resource-efficient
measures could generate up to 25 million jobs.
www.resourcepanel.org/sites/default/files/documents/document/media/thinkpiece_-_
resource_efficiency_-_key_messages_for_the_g20_270818.pdf.
www.resourcepanel.org/reports/building-resilient-societies-after-covid-19-pandemic.
https://buildingcircularity.org/
www.unenvironment.org/resources/publication/shades-green-introduction-green-economy-parliamentarians-issues-brief.
www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/press-release/re-thinking-production-boost-circular-economies.
UN Environment Programme,
Circularity platform
(2019):
https://buildingcircularity.org.
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A possible longer-term option is to enact legislation that is in line with a green public
procurement approach.
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Through this approach, public authorities aim to procure goods
and services that have a reduced environmental impact, thus stimulating the demand for
eco-innovation and more sustainable goods and services.
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This is particularly important
in the context of the COVID-19 response where the governmental market share of
consumed goods and services is particularly significant.
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Additionally, parliamentarians
could consider adopting legal provisions promoting SCP For example, legislating on
.
extended producer responsibility (making the producer responsible for the disposal of
postconsumer products after the end of their useful life) would incentivize the prevention
of waste generation and promote environmentally conscious product design.
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In addition,
legislative incentives, such as tax breaks or financial support for research and innovation,
would encourage industries to adopt practices that extend the life of products.
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Parliamentary actions for waste management and circularity
• Promote sustainable waste management practices, such as waste treatment, recycling, and safe handling of
healthcare and biochemical waste, by adopting legislative provisions on issues including tax rebates or waivers
on recycling initiatives.
• Enact legislation that mainstreams SCP into all COVID-19 recovery efforts, including by requiring public
authorities to use green procurement practices (procuring goods and services that have a reduced
environmental impact).
• Adopt legislative provisions that support SCP (such as extending producer responsibility), and provide legislative
incentives, including tax breaks or financial support, that encourage industries to adopt more sustainable
production practices and increase the life cycles of their products.
Regional and country-level examples
The Bureau of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN)
recognized in June 2020 the need to implement a previous decision from its 17
th
ordinary session to promote and scale up the circular economy as part of Africa’s
COVID-19 recovery process.
42
Denmark is offering extra funding to help companies stick to green transition and
circular economy principles amidst the COVID-19 crisis.
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3. Clean energy
According to the Renewables 2020 Global Status Report, renewable energy reduces
greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, creates jobs, ensures energy sovereignty
and accelerates energy access in developing countries.
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It has proven to be cost-
effective in terms of both pricing and reliability.
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On the other hand, the true cost of
fossil fuels is estimated to be US$ 5.2 trillion if negative externalities are counted, such
as air pollution, the effects of climate change, and traffic congestion.
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Reducing the use
of fossil fuels and associated pollution is also beneficial for mitigating the health effects
of COVID-19.
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Clearly, investing in renewables has both medium- and long-term
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www.unenvironment.org/resources/report/building-circularity-our-economies-through-sustainable-procurement.
https://ec.europa.eu/environment/gpp/index_en.htm.
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/gpp/index_en.htm; www.unenvironment.org/explore-topics/resource-efficiency/what-we-do/sustainable-
consumption-and-production-policies.
www.oecd.org/env/tools-evaluation/extendedproducerresponsibility.htm.
According to the OECD,
extended producer principle
is a policy approach under which producers are given a significant financial and/or
physical responsibility for the treatment or disposal of post-consumer products. Guidance on sustainable consumption and production
available at the SCP clearing house:
www.unenvironment.org/explore-topics/resource-efficiency/what-we-do/sustainable-consumption-
and-production-policies; www.oneplanetnetwork.org/resource/15degc-world-requires-circular-and-low-carbon-economy.
Summary of
circular economy legislation:
http://blog.bio-ressources.com/2017/01/27/a-summary-of-circular-economy-legislation-around-the-world-
part-ii/.
www.unenvironment.org/fr/amcen.
https://erhvervsfremmebestyrelsen.dk/825-mio-kr-til-omstilling-groenne-virksomheder-og-cirkulaer-oekonomi-skal-skabe-vaekst-og-oege.
REN21,
Renewables 2020 Global Status Report
(2020):
www.ren21.net/gsr-2020/.
Ibid.
Ibid.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969720321215.
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economic, fiscal and health advantages.
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Current cost-effectiveness provides an
opportunity to prioritize clean energy in economic recovery packages,
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and to adopt
cost-competitive sustainable technologies. This makes for a more cost-efficient
transition towards carbon-neutral societies – in other words, having a net zero carbon
footprint, and helping to achieve the nationally determined contributions as part of the
Paris Agreement and the implementation of the SDGs.
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Parliamentarians have a unique opportunity to promote laws which contribute to both
short- and long-term energy policies that promote a shift to renewable energy. Such
measures could include eliminating fossil fuel subsidies, given that 10–30 per cent
of fossil fuel subsidies could pay for a global transition to clean energy
51
and that
about 70 per cent of global energy investment is driven by governments, directly or
indirectly, as a response to policy.
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Introducing carbon pricing measures could also
help to raise revenue that could be reinvested into COVID-19 recovery and help reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
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Adjusting the pricing of polluting fuels (internalizing the
associated environmental and social costs) could raise revenues of about 4 per cent of
global GDP
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Other legislative and fiscal measures could include requirements to divest
.
from polluting activities and prioritize budget allocation to low-carbon initiatives, as
well as research and development into clean technology. Research and development
is a key driver for innovation. It is needed to leverage the current cost-efficiency of
renewables towards a low-carbon revolution and green technology development.
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Furthermore, parliamentarians can use their oversight powers to evaluate what their
governments have done to implement the Paris Agreement and prepare nationally
determined contributions with concrete emission reduction measures, such as clean
energy initiatives.
COVID-19 recovery packages could also promote energy efficiency. Improving energy
efficiency creates job opportunities, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and saves
on energy costs.
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Parliaments could, for instance, explore legislation that requires
improved energy-efficient public infrastructure and industrial equipment.
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Parliamentary actions for clean energy
• Promote laws that contribute to short- and long-term renewable energy policies, such as eliminating fossil
fuel subsidies, and introducing carbon pricing measures that increase national revenues, which can then be
reinvested in COVID-19 recovery.
• Prioritize budget allocations and enact legislation on low-carbon activities that promote energy efficiency, including
energy-efficient public infrastructure and industrial equipment, and clean technology research and development.
• Exercise oversight powers to evaluate what the government has done to implement the Paris Agreement
and prepare nationally determined contributions with concrete emission reduction measures, such as clean
energy initiatives.
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www.ren21.net/gsr-2020/.
www.fs-unep-centre.org/global-trends-in-renewable-energy-investment-2020/.
www.fs-unep-centre.org/global-trends-in-renewable-energy-investment-2020/.
www.unido.org/stories/covid-19-stimulus-packages-must-carry-energy-efficiency-incentives-help-industries-and-economies-rebound.
www.climatechangenews.com/2020/03/17/governments-historic-opportunity-accelerate-clean-energy-transition-iea-says/.
www.imf.org/en/Publications/WP/Issues/2019/05/02/Global-Fossil-Fuel-Subsidies-Remain-Large-An-Update-Based-on-Country-Level-
Estimates-46509.
According to the UN Environment Programme, carbon taxation can be especially effective in the current low oil price
environment. The IMF estimates that a carbon tax of US$ 75 per ton would increase pump prices by less than the overall decline due to
the oil price collapse.
https://greenfiscalpolicy.org/policy_briefs/unep-policy-brief-on-building-back-better-role-of-green-fiscal-policies/.
www.imf.org/en/Publications/WP/Issues/2019/05/02/Global-Fossil-Fuel-Subsidies-Remain-Large-An-Update-Based-on-Country-Level-
Estimates-46509.
International Renewable Energy Agency,
The Post-COVID recovery: An agenda for resilience, development, and equality
(Abu Dhabi,
2020):
www.irena.org/publications/2020/Jun/Post-COVID-Recovery.
www.iea.org/articles/paving-the-way-to-recovery-with-utility-funded-energy-efficiency; www.unenvironment.org/explore-topics/energy/
what-we-do/energy-efficiency.
More information on COVID-19 and energy: International Energy Agency,
Sustainable Recovery (World energy outlook special report,
2020):
www.iea.org/reports/sustainable-recovery.
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Country-level examples
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Nigeria’s post-COVID-19 Economic Sustainability Plan includes extending the
country’s solar infrastructure, a gas expansion programme to promote the use of
clean fuels, and scrapping gasoline subsidies. The Senate President and Speaker
of the House of Representatives led principal officers of the National Assembly
in meeting with members of the country’s Economic Sustainability Committee.
After the draft Sustainability Plan was presented to them, the legislators made
recommendations, which will be considered in the plan’s implementation.
59
India’s government has increased taxes on petrol and diesel with the aim of
increasing government revenue amidst the economic impacts of COVID-19.
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4. Green jobs
61
The loss of jobs
62
and income
63
associated with COVID-19 will likely push 34.3 million
people into extreme poverty in 2020,
64
and worsen income inequality within and between
countries.
65
For developing countries, income losses will probably exceed US$ 220 billion.
66
Estimates indicate that, by only the second quarter of 2020, COVID-19 might have reduced
working hours by around 6.7 per cent which is equivalent to 195 million full-time workers.
67
A green economy has the potential to create 24 million new jobs globally by 2030.
68
For
instance, investing in renewable energy is likely to generate more jobs, both in the short-
and long-term, thus boosting spending and accelerating the recovery.
Parliaments have the opportunity to introduce recovery laws that incentivize green
investments, such as in sustainable transport, energy efficiency technologies and
waste management. Laws that promote healthy ecosystems and reduce environmental
stresses (including through green fiscal reform that reduces income tax and shifts the
tax burden to environmentally harmful goods and services
69
) could promote productivity,
advance local solutions and support displaced workers.
70
Transformative legislation
also ensures a just transition by integrating the reallocation and retraining of workers,
promoting decent work, advancing local solutions, and supporting displaced workers.
71
When developing employment recovery measures (such as cash for work programmes),
parliamentarians can prioritize green jobs programmes, including ecosystem restoration
or road rehabilitation in protected areas. Stimulus packages could also include a special
focus on the communities particularly affected by COVID-19 (for example, those whose
livelihoods depend on tourism in protected areas). Parliamentarians can also fulfil their
representation responsibilities by ensuring that the needs of constituents, particularly
those whose employment has been greatly affected by the pandemic, are addressed in
green jobs programmes.
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More information on COVID-19 government policy responses related to energy:
www.energypolicytracker.org/.
https://media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2020/06/ESC-Plan-compressed-1.pdf;
and
www.carbonbrief.org/coronavirus-
tracking-how-the-worlds-green-recovery-plans-aim-to-cut-emissions.
www.reuters.com/article/us-india-economy-fuel/india-increases-fuel-taxes-in-a-bid-to-shore-up-revenueidUSKBN21108I#:~:text=The%20
excise%20duties%20on%20the,senior%20government%20official%20told%20Reuters.
More information on green jobs:
https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/8825/UNEPGreenJobs_report08.pdf?se-
quence=3&isAllowed=y.
www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---dgreports/---dcomm/documents/briefingnote/wcms_740877.pdf.
www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/news-centre/news/2020/COVID19_Crisis_in_developing_countries_threatens_devastate_
economies.html.
www.un.org/development/desa/en/news/policy/wesp-mid-2020-report.html#:~:text=The%20pandemic%20is%20exacerbating%20
poverty,increase%20occurring%20in%20African%20countries.
www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/publication/WESP2020_MYU_Key-messages.pdf.
www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/news-centre/news/2020/COVID19_Crisis_in_developing_countries_threatens_devastate_
economies.html.
www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---dgreports/---dcomm/documents/briefingnote/wcms_740877.pdf.
www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2019/04/green-economy-could-create-24-million-new-jobs/.
www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/fiscal-reform-can-create-jobs.
About 1.2 billion jobs (40 per cent of total world employment) depend on healthy ecosystems.
www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/
blog/2019/04/green-economy-could-create-24-million-new-jobs/.
These jobs cut across sectors such as agriculture, forestry, tourism
and pharmaceuticals. Environmental stresses and accompanying natural disasters contribute significantly to decreased productivity and
job losses. It is estimated that expected temperature increases will reduce the total number of working hours by 2 per cent globally by
2030, mainly affecting workers in agriculture and in developing countries.
www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---dgreports/---dcomm/--
-publ/documents/publication/wcms_628654.pdf.
www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---dgreports/---dcomm/---publ/documents/publication/wcms_628654.pdf.
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Parliamentary actions for green jobs
• Introduce laws that incentivize green investment and the creation of green jobs (such as in sustainable
transport and energy efficiency), and that disincentivize unsustainable investments (such as by raising taxes on
environmentally harmful goods and services).
• Enact legislation on green jobs training programmes; for example, jobs related to ecosystem restoration,
particularly for people who have been displaced or severely affected by COVID-19.
• Represent the needs of constituents (particularly those whose employment has been greatly affected by the
pandemic) and ensure their needs are addressed in green jobs programmes.
Regional and country-level examples
In Latin America, cash for work programmes are supporting the creation of jobs
in the recycling sector for Venezuela’s migrants. Several countries in the region,
such as Brazil, also have recycling cooperatives, which provide employment for
vulnerable populations.
72
Pakistan has introduced a US$ 47 million green stimulus programme to hire newly
unemployed people for the “10 Billion Tree Tsunami” The initiative is designed to
.
plant trees in rural areas so as to restore natural ecosystems.
73
5. Biodiversity and nature-based solutions
Habitat loss is linked to the emergence of novel zoonotic diseases like COVID-19, but also
has anthropogenic drivers, including increased exploitation of wildlife, the unsustainable
use of natural resources, and climate change.
74
In economic terms, the continued
degradation of ecosystem services represents an annual loss of at least US$ 479 billion.
75
Prioritizing biodiversity and avoiding incentives that have led to its degradation are important
considerations for any recovery measures.
76
In fact, according to a preliminary report by the
Convention on Biological Diversity’s Panel of Experts on Resource Mobilization, conserving
biodiversity through a global biodiversity framework would yield economic gains of
US$ 500–550 billion per year.
77
The investment of domestic financial resources will greatly
contribute to achieving these gains.
78
In developing recovery packages, it is important that parliamentarians commission
balanced risk assessments that incorporate natural capital considerations, such as healthy
ecosystems, clean air and water,
79
and potential biodiversity impacts.
80
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/32433/COVID_LAC.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y; https://news.un.org/pt/
story/2019/10/1689482.
www.thethirdpole.net/2020/05/04/pakistans-green-stimulus-to-combat-covid-19-protect-nature/.
UN Environment Programme,
Preventing the Next Pandemic: Zoonotic diseases and how to break the chain of transmission
(2020):
www.
unenvironment.org/resources/report/preventing-future-zoonotic-disease-outbreaks-protecting-environment-animals-and.
p. 15–17 and 29.
UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre,
Connecting financial flows with biodiversity targets (2020 webinar):
https://www.brighttalk.com/webcast/17290/418952/connecting-financial-flows-with-biodiversity-targets.
www.cbd.int/doc/c/4c88/dbb1/e264eaae72b86747416e0d8c/sbi-03-05-add1-en.pdf. www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01947-9.
www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01947-9.
Convention on Biological Diversity,
Estimation of resources needed for implementing the post-2020 global biodiversity
framework: Preliminary second report of the panel of experts on resource mobilization
(2020):
www.cbd.int/doc/c/c3f7/163d/
b1f2c136506037842cebc521/sbi-03-05-add2-en.pdf.
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development,
A comprehensive overview of global biodiversity finance
(2020):
www.
oecd.org/environment/resources/biodiversity/report-a-comprehensive-overview-of-global-biodiversity-finance.pdf;
and Convention on
Biological Diversity (panel of experts on resource mobilization),
Evaluation and review of the strategy for resource mobilization and Aichi
biodiversity target 20: Summary of the first report of the panel of experts on resource mobilization
(2020):
www.cbd.int/doc/c/4c88/
dbb1/e264eaae72b86747416e0d8c/sbi-03-05-add1-en.pdf.
Natural capital includes ecosystems, diverse habitats, clean air and water, productive soils, and a stable climate. It partly contributes to
high-productivity economies.
www.smithschool.ox.ac.uk/publications/wpapers/workingpaper20-02.pdf.
www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/who-manifesto-for-a-healthy-recovery-from-covid-19.
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Figure 2
Trends in biodiversity (various metrics, left axis) have been declining, and are projected to continue to do so under
business as usual scenarios (trend line). The various areas of action listed could reduce the rate of biodiversity
decline. A full and combined portfolio of actions could halt and reverse the decline (bend the curve).
81
Nature can also be placed at the heart of innovative sustainable approaches to economic
recovery. Nature-based solutions are actions that protect, sustainably manage, and
restore ecosystems in ways that address societal challenges to provide both human
well-being and biodiversity benefits.
82
They are an efficient and cost-effective way of
building resilience while providing environmental, social and economic benefits.
83
Nature-
based legislative solutions include regulating drivers of habitat loss, such as the illegal
wildlife trade, deforestation, habitat conversion and unsustainable agricultural practices,
in order to reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases. An example would be sustainable forest
management, which can contribute to alleviating poverty by providing or maintaining
livelihoods, thus building more resilient economies that can better withstand pandemics.
84
Similarly, supporting and funding conservation programmes can help protect biodiversity
and safeguard ecosystems. Other measures could include promoting environmentally
sustainable practices in agriculture, so as to: reduce large-scale deforestation, habitat
destruction and fragmentation; strengthen the functioning of ecosystems; and lower the
risks of future infectious zoonotic disease outbreaks.
85
Investing in urban green and blue
infrastructure systems, which encourage better stewardship of environmental resources
(including marine resources), could also help to advance climate change adaptation,
support urban resilience, and improve air quality while expanding habitats for biodiversity.
81
82
83
84
85
Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity,
Global Biodiversity Outlook 5
(Montreal, 2020):
www.cbd.int/gbo5.
www.iucn.org/theme/nature-based-solutions/about.
www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/nature-based-solutions-offer-local-benefits-through-local-action.
www.un.org/development/desa/dpad/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/publication/PB_80.pdf.
https://greenfiscalpolicy.org/policy_briefs/unep-policy-brief-on-building-back-better-role-of-green-fiscal-policies/.
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Parliamentary actions for biodiversity and nature-based solutions
• Ensure that balanced risk assessments in COVID-19 recovery planning are conducted that consider potential
impacts on natural capital, such as ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Adopt nature-based legislation that addresses the drivers of habitat loss, a factor which can increase the risk
of zoonotic diseases such as coronaviruses. These drivers include the illegal wildlife trade, deforestation and
unsustainable agricultural practices.
• Allocate budgets to conservation programmes, sustainable agriculture initiatives, and urban green and blue
infrastructure systems that reduce deforestation and habitat destruction, and encourage better stewardship of
environmental resources.
Regional and country-level examples
Kenya’s parliament is considering budget allocations to its proposed economic
stimulus package; one of its pillars is dedicated to mitigating the impact of
deforestation and climate change. The package also proposes allocating funds to
support community conservancies and the Kenya Wildlife Service.
86
The European Commission adopted a biodiversity strategy for 2030 that
incorporates biodiversity loss, climate mitigation and adaptation into their recovery
plans.
87
In January 2020, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling
on the European Commission to design a biodiversity strategy that would move
away from voluntary commitments and set legally binding targets, which would be
included in the new strategy.
88
6. Rule of law and environmental protection
In numerous countries, COVID-19 lockdown and emergency procedures have adversely
affected: public participation in decision and policy-making on environmental matters;
the enforcement of environmental laws (such as environmental reporting obligations and
transparency); how environmental impact assessments are conducted; implementation
of environmental rights; and the work of environmental defenders.
89
Given the
interconnectedness of public health, economic growth and environmental protection,
the public has a vested interest in ensuring that environmental law is implemented and
enforced openly, inclusively and equally.
90
As local context and community engagement
are particularly important in times of emergency, it is essential not to derogate from
existing access and participation provisions, and to include such provisions in response
legislation, particularly with regard to policies or decisions that may have environmental
impacts. Parliamentarians have an important role in making sure that any pandemic
response includes safeguards for environmental rights, including those enshrined in
constitutional law. Parliamentarians also have a key oversight role to ensure that existing
environmental requirements continue to be applied, including to any response measures
that have potential environmental impacts. Innovative solutions and safeguards need to
be considered so as to enforce existing environmental laws and standards. These include
using digital technologies for continuing impact assessments, compliance monitoring,
and transparent online permitting procedures.
The pandemic and its economic consequences are having a disproportionate effect on
particularly vulnerable constituencies, such as the poor, women and children, persons
with disabilities, minorities, migrants and indigenous communities.
91
Women are
expected to be particularly affected because they are more likely to have lower paid
86
www.president.go.ke/2020/05/23/the-seventh-presidential-address-on-the-coronavirus-pandemic-the-8-point-economic-stimulus-
programme-saturday-23rd-may-2020/; www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-19/kenya-plans-503-million-economic-stimulus-to-
battle-virus.
https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal/actions-being-taken-eu/eu-biodiversity-strategy-2030_en.
www.europarl.europa.eu/legislative-train/theme-a-european-green-deal/file-new-eu-biodiversity-strategy#:~:text=On%2016%20
January%202020%2C%20Parliament,restore%20degraded%20ecosystems%20by%202030.
www.opengovpartnership.org/documents/a-guide-to-open-government-and-the-coronavirus-civic-space/.
UN Environment Programme,
Environmental rule of law: First global report
(2019):
https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/
handle/20.500.11822/27279/Environmental_rule_of_law.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/06/1067502.
87
88
89
90
91
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and less secure jobs.
92
They are also disproportionately represented in sectors that are
affected by the pandemic (such as manufacturing
93
) and highly vulnerable to climate
change (such as agriculture
94
). Failing to take on board gendered dimensions in economic
recovery packages may perpetuate or aggravate existing inequalities, or possibly create
new ones.
95
Parliaments should consider legislation that is gender-responsive (one
that enables preferential treatment for affected sectors where women form a majority)
and takes into account other socially differentiated needs.
96
Such laws are particularly
effective if both legislative processes and implementation include strategies for engaging
vulnerable constituencies.
97
Additionally, parliamentarians, alongside the judiciary, have an important role in ensuring
that any emergency pandemic provisions are not used to persecute or restrict the activities
of those who exercise their legal rights by advocating for environmental protection.
98
Parliamentary actions for rule of law and environmental protection
• Ensure COVID-19 legislation includes safeguards for environmental rights, and that recovery efforts are
not used to persecute or restrict the activities of people who exercise their legal rights by advocating for
environmental protection.
• Exercise oversight to ensure that existing environmental requirements are applied (including in the
implementation of recovery measures), and encourage the adoption of innovative solutions and safeguards
to enforce existing environmental laws and standards, such as digital technologies for impact assessments,
compliance monitoring and transparent online permitting procedures.
• Articulate in the legislative process the interests and concerns of constituents who may be more vulnerable
(such as women, persons with disabilities, minorities, migrants and indigenous communities), and ensure that
legislation is gender-responsive and socially inclusive, and that it calls for the engagement of vulnerable groups
in its implementation.
Regional and country-level examples
Trinidad and Tobago has instituted online procedures for services related to
environmental permits.
99
The Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (PARLATINO) has issued a
declaration calling for the inclusion of environmental and gender dimensions into
COVID-19 recovery processes.
100
https://www.ipu.org/gender-and-covid-19-guidance-note-parliaments.
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news20_e/covid_05aug20_e.htm.
https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/-/media/field%20office%20eseasia/docs/publications/2020/05/empower%20on%20gender%20and%20
climate%20in%20the%20covid-19%20context_final.pdf?la=en&vs=1108.
95 More information on gender and COVID: IPU,
Gender and COVID-19: A guidance note for parliamentarians
(2020):
www.ipu.org/gender-
and-covid-19-guidance-note-parliaments.
96 For an example of gender-related considerations: Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women,
General
Recommendation no. 37 on gender-related dimensions of disaster risk reduction in the context of climate change
(2018): paragraph 2.
https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/Treaties/CEDAW/Shared%20Documents/1_Global/CEDAW_C_GC_37_8642_E.pdf.
97
www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/blog/2020/a-pandemic-brings-permission-for-change.html; www.un.org/en/un-coronavirus-
communications-team/un-urges-countries-%E2%80%98build-back-better%E2%80%99.
98
https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/04/1061772; www.amnesty.org/en/documents/act30/2102/2020/en/
99
www.ema.co.tt/
100 Declaration of the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament on the environmental dimension of the COVID-19 pandemic, gender
equality and the need for a future with greater respect for nature, 5 June 2020.
92
93
94
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Some final thoughts
In the next year and a half, investment in COVID-19 recovery is likely to exceed
US$ 12 trillion globally.
101
The recovery process is a significant challenge but also a unique
opportunity. The policies and laws to be put in place during this period will define the
resilience, sustainability and competitiveness of national economies for decades to
come. Parliaments, which are at the forefront of designing these laws and overseeing
these policies, can make a historic impact on the transformation and development of
national economies. They can do this by prioritizing green infrastructure, circularity, energy
efficiency, investment in green jobs and innovation; by building on opportunities provided
by digital technologies; by identifying effective nature-based solutions; and by advancing
the rule of law. This is not an opportunity to be missed.
101
www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/learning-green-recovery.
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Useful resources
Carbon Brief: tracker on green recovery plans
Convention on Biological Diversity and UN Environment Programme:
Global Biodiversity
Outlook 5
(2020)
European Union: COVID-19 recovery plan
Frankfurt School – UN Environment Programme Collaborating Centre for Climate and
Sustainable Energy Finance:
Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment 2020
Green Economy Coalition: Green Economy Tracker
UN Environment Programme:
Human Rights, The Environment and COVID-19
Intergovernmental Science–Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
(ipbes):
Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
(2019)
International Monetary Fund Special Series on COVID-19:
Greening the Recovery
International Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement: COVID-19
updates and policy dialogue
Inter-Parliamentary Union and UN Environment Programme issues brief,
Shades of green:
an introduction to the green economy for parliamentarians
International Renewable Energy Agency: Post- COVID recovery: An agenda for resilience,
development and equality
One Planet Network: Sustainable Consumption and Production Clearing House
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development:
A Comprehensive Overview of
Global Biodiversity Finance
(2020)
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe: Portal: COVID-19 response
Partnership for Action on Green Economy: COVID-19 hub
United Nations: COVID-19 Response
UN Environment Programme:
Building circularity into our economies through sustainable
procurement
UN Environment Programme: Circularity platform
UN Environment Programme: COVID-19 materials
UN Environment Programme:
Sustainable Consumption and Production: A Handbook for
Policymakers
(2015)
World Health Organization: COVID-19 dashboard
World Health Organization: manifesto for a healthy and green recovery from COVID-19
World Wide Fund for Nature: Living Planet Report 2020
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Acknowledgements
The IPU and UNEP gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the National People’s Congress of China which
was used for the translation and layout of this publication.
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