COVID-19 shows that the tiniest life forms can wreak untold levels of damage to our societies. While we seek recovery from this emergency we must not neglect the transformative changes required to address other pressing socio-ecological planetary concerns. For the health of both people and planet it is essential to build post 2020 global Biosecurity Strategies supporting the planetary web of life that maintains human existence, economy and health. This working paper by CCICED Member Arthur Hanson surveys needs and promising pathways required during this current decade and well beyond. Also considered are some of the encouraging global and national initial efforts to link COVID19 recovery programs with biodiversity, climate change and the United Nations 2030 sustainable development goals.
The working paper is tailored to China’s plans and initiatives, including the 14th Five Year Plan (2021 to 2125) and China’s aspirations for an Ecological Civilization approach to sustainable development. But the underlying thread is to muster cooperative national and international action that will avoid recreating unsustainable patterns of past development. Instead, by linking COVID-19 and other emergencies we can build synergies and innovations. What is required is a global ‘Super-decade of the Environment 2021 to 2030’ to kickstart this effort.
Read the full working paper: English | Chinese
The views expressed in this op-ed are those of the author and not necessarily those of CCICED.