Search Climate Insights Directory

This report analyzes whether 67 countries integrated climate adaptation and resilience into their COVID-19 recovery measures between January 2020 and December 2021. The analysis reveals a paradox where a country's income level was a more significant determinant of climate-responsive recovery than its actual vulnerability to climate risks.

An assessment of COVID-19 rescue and recovery spending by 26 key emitters finds that only 22% of stimulus was allocated to low-carbon measures, while 35% supported the status quo and 4% supported high-carbon measures. The report concludes that these actions are inadequate relative to climate commitments and recommends better preparedness and project pipelines for future crises.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the intersection of COVID-19 recovery and climate finance, arguing that the pandemic recovery period offers a critical window to 'build back better' through sustainable investment. It highlights the failure of developed nations to meet the $100 billion annual climate finance pledge and emphasizes the specific needs of African countries for increased adaptation funding and systemic reform of the global finance architecture.

A statement by research organizations tracking global recovery spending calling for the redirection of COVID-19 stimulus away from carbon-intensive activities toward nature- and climate-positive investments to align with the 1.5°C temperature limit of the Paris Agreement.

This policy brief analyzes Indonesia's COVID-19 recovery spending, arguing that the National Economic Recovery (PEN) program is not aligned with the country's net-zero emissions targets due to significant continued support for fossil fuels. The authors recommend reforming fossil fuel subsidies and directing fiscal support toward renewable energy to achieve climate goals and create jobs.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on green finance and development, contrasting the robust recovery packages in the global North with the funding gaps and systemic challenges in the global South. It highlights the risk that urgent health-sector spending may undermine environmental sustainability and advocates for institutional reforms, increased South-South cooperation, and coordinated global efforts to bridge the climate finance gap.

This report by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on energy conservation and efficiency efforts in Indonesia. Based on a survey of 16 respondents, including facility managers and energy efficiency business actors, the study finds that while the pandemic negatively impacted business turnover and led to the postponement of planned efficiency projects, there is general optimism for recovery. The report emphasizes the need for government support through fiscal incentives, reduced loan interest, and the implementation of efficiency measures in state-owned facilities to drive a green economic recovery.

This policy brief examines the allocation of COVID-19 recovery funds to cities, noting a significant gap between global pledges and city-specific commitments, and provides recommendations to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of green urban recovery finance.

The 2020 Special Report on the Production Gap by the International Institute for Sustainable Development analyzes the discrepancy between planned fossil fuel production and the levels required to meet the Paris Agreement temperature goals of 1.5°C or 2°C.

The 2020 report on the WHO-Civil Society Working Group to Advance Action on Climate and Health outlines the group's efforts to integrate health priorities into climate action and COVID-19 recovery. Key achievements include mobilizing health professionals for a 'healthy recovery' and coordinating with the UNFCCC Race to Zero Dialogues to prioritize health at COP26.

A statement by members of the Scientific Advisory Panel of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition and other experts urging that economic stimulus efforts for COVID-19 recovery be used to address integrated global challenges including climate change, air pollution, and sustainable development.

The RMI paper 'Global Stimulus Principles' proposes that recovery investments following the COVID-19 pandemic should be used to build a low-carbon economy that is more resilient to future disruptions and the climate crisis.

Minutes from the Green Economy Coalition (GEC) Steering Group meeting on June 24, 2020, detailing the impact of COVID-19 on strategic priorities, reviews of the 'Economics for Nature' and 'EC dialogues' programmes, and the development of a COVID-19 recovery campaign.

This report by the Green Economy Coalition and the Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE) analyzes the extent to which Uganda's COVID-19 recovery packages—specifically the national budgets for FY 2020/21 and 2021/22—integrate sustainable natural capital management. The study finds a decline in natural capital responsiveness between the two budget years and recommends that all recovery measures undergo natural capital implication assessments to ensure a holistic recovery.

This expert note from the World Resources Institute outlines a framework for aligning Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) enhancements with COVID-19 economic recovery, specifically focusing on the transportation sector to drive inclusive growth and meet climate targets.

This research paper, developed with the Global Resilience Partnership, analyzes whether 67 countries integrated climate adaptation and resilience into their public spending during the COVID-19 recovery process.

This World Resources Institute expert note argues that COVID-19 economic recovery stimulus packages provide a critical opportunity for countries to align their recovery with ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in the power sector. Noting that power generation accounted for 41% of energy-related CO2 emissions in 2019 (with coal contributing over 70%), the note emphasizes the need for a 4% annual reduction in power sector emissions to meet 2030 targets and suggests investing in climate-resilient infrastructure to prevent an emissions rebound following pandemic lockdowns.

This research paper by the World Resources Institute analyzes COVID-19 recovery packages from G20 countries to assess their alignment with the Paris Agreement. The authors developed a typology of policies and interventions to guide decision-makers toward a greener recovery, finding that most initial stimulus actions favored business-as-usual (BAU) investments over climate-resilient pathways.

This research paper outlines a framework for a sustainable and resilient recovery from COVID-19, focusing on three mutually reinforcing transitions: decarbonization, circular economy, and decentralization, to drive transformative economic change and strengthen national climate objectives.

This document is a participant list for the 'Global Dialogue on Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Economic Crisis: Building Back Better Aligned to the SDGs and the Paris Agreement' dialogue series, organized by the World Resources Institute.