Covid-19

• As they answer the coronavirus (COVID-19), countries have a singular opportunity to plan for stronger and greener economies. they will use fiscal stimulus efforts not only to support economic recovery but also to enhance environmental outcomes, pushing for a green fiscal stimulus. Last week’s World Environment Day reminds us that the time is now, and that we are working to assist make this a reality. In partnership with countries across South Asia, the planet Bank is functioning to support livelihoods, create green jobs, and sow the seeds for countries to grow back stronger and greener. The COVID-19 crisis and therefore the environment are intricately connected. The coronavirus originated within the wild and was transmitted zoonotically to humans. Many poor and vulnerable communities believe natural capital for his or her livelihoods – on marine fish stock, on forests for timber and other products – and therefore the pandemic has disrupted supply chains and reduced demand. The collapse of nature-based tourism has affected numerous small businesses and communities. At an equivalent time, cessation of economic activity has improved air quality and reduced greenhouse emission emissions.
  
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• Governments now must protect lives and livelihoods – strengthen health care services, provide vulnerable households safety nets, ensure small enterprises can stay afloat. But as countries gain control over the pandemic and start reopening their economies, what is going to these economies look like? Will countries return to a world where the air is toxic and water polluted? A world where the danger of subsequent pandemic is merely compounded by climate change?