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Opinion | The coronavirus crisis is changing how we work, travel and shop. That might just save our planet
- The Covid-19 epidemic has forced lifestyle changes, such as reductions in air travel and conspicuous consumption, that will benefit our planet
- The Hong Kong government should take forward the ‘smart city’ changes people have been forced to adopt and invest in environmentally friendly sectors
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The devastating impacts of Covid-19 are being felt around the world. One unexpected outcome may be that it reduces the rate of climate change. The coronavirus may inadvertently be the unifying factor which forces change in lifestyles on a global scale.
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To meet carbon emission reduction targets, changes in lifestyle and business are required: consumption of almost everything must be reduced and manufacturing, energy use, international transport of goods, tourism and air travel curtailed. Government targets no longer solely relate to turnover and economic growth, but also to quality of life. Many have not yet accepted this.
Since December, Covid-19 has had a massive impact on all these areas, reducing carbon production worldwide. Diminished industrial production in China has had an impact on international supply chains. This has lessened long-distance transport of cargo, curbing emissions from ships and vehicles. Reduced industrial activity and transport have lowered demand for oil, frightening Opec into calling for a cut in oil production.
Restrictions on the movement of people have forced lifestyle changes, some more efficient and cheaper, which could become normalised. The Hong Kong Council for Sustainable Development identified important areas in which the city needs change to reduce carbon emissions. Covid-19 has already wrought significant progress in three of them.
The first is reducing travel by air and cruise ships and holidaying more at home. Closing Hong Kong’s borders, in addition to travel restrictions on Hongkongers imposed by other countries, has devastated air travel. More people are enjoying their local country parks and beaches.
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The International Air Transport Association estimates that passenger demand in the Asia-Pacific could fall 23 per cent. It is unrealistic to expect Hong Kong tourist numbers to ever return to the almost 65 million visitors of 2019; a target of 50 million is likely to be more sustainable. With fewer tourists, our city is a better place to live.
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