Blog Posts: low carbon development

75 years ago, the United Nations was founded on the belief that countries must work together to address global issues. As the world faces climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, some national governments are living up to this belief more than others — but crucial actors may be able to turn the tide.

The coronavirus pandemic has compounded highly unequal development in Latin America's cities. Investing in infrastructure and public services for marginalized areas can help the region build back better.

Indonesia already has a robust sustainable development plan. By doubling down with a low-carbon stimulus, the country can create more jobs, generate more economic growth, and build back better from COVID-19.

Germany's stimulus plan invests big in electric vehicles, public transit and low-carbon energy. Will other countries follow suit?

The COVID-19 pandemic illuminates the need to build back better and create resilience to future crises, including the impacts of climate change.

Investing in sustainable infrastructure for areas such as renewable energy and electric cars can help China’s economic recovery from the coronavirus crisis.

To rebuild the economy from the coronavirus fallout, the United States must consider low-carbon and resilient investments, including energy retrofits, electric buses and reforestation.

As governments look to help their economies recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, stimulus packages should also build resilience to the impacts of climate change.

China's central government has turned to regional integration for the country's next stage of economic development, announcing or strengthening mega-region initiatives like the Yangtze River Delta Integration, Greater Bay Area Development and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Integration. If done right, this strategy can also help shift China onto a low-carbon pathway.

In the EU, Spain, Mexico, Peru and Uganda, positive examples of how inequality and climate change can be tackled together, with inclusive planning, nature-based solutions, and a focus on a just transition.