across hundreds of its cities. Elsewhere, satellite images have been used to illustrate the drop in other pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which have been identified across northern Italy, Spain and the UK. The problem for environmentalists, who have been calling for a radical recalibration of the global economy for decades, is that the response to the immediate and existential threat of COVID-19 brought with it significant job losses, decimating many businesses and leaving millions facing poverty and food insecurity. It is safe to say that no one would have wanted emissions to be lowered this way. This is not the kind of planned or just transition towards decarbonisation and sustainability many have been calling for. Indeed, COVID-19 has tended to reinforce inequalities pervasive globally. As Bono and others have noted, we might be in the same COVID-19 storm, but we are in different boats. Now is the time to ensure the global build back addresses inequalities and does not reinforce them. Doing things differently The global pausing under COVID-19 has allowed people to experience different ways of living and moving. Many found their carbon footprint plummeting as international commitments were cancelled, postponed or transferred online. Transport makes up nearly a quarter of global carbon emissions. Even those sceptical of the virtues of online meetings have been surprised by the level of attendance and engagement that these tools made possible during unprecedented times. Whether these benefits will be remembered when transport networks resume remains to be seen. There are no guarantees. We have experienced drops in emissions and pollution before, most recently during the global recession following the financial crash of 2008 and 2009, which were reversed within two years to the extent that they reached an all-time high in 2010. Continue reading. Anna Davies is Professor and Chair of Geography, Environment and Society at Trinity Five climate change actions following COVID-19 1 2 3 4 5