Corona Sustainability Compass

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The coronavirus crisis is presenting our society with huge challenges. In crises, however, things often become possible that seemed inconceivable yesterday. During crises, new ideas for a better future can emerge.

Corona Sustainability Compass – manage today, master tomorrow

The coronavirus crisis is presenting our healthcare system with some huge challenges: those who have fallen prey to the virus have to be helped to prevent the virus from spreading, and vaccines and medicinal products need to be developed. The economy and public life are practically at a standstill. Businesses are facing a huge squeeze on their liquidity. Many companies are asking their employees to work short-time. Not only are people worried about their health, they are also worried about their economic survival. In an acute emergency situation of this kind, it is absolutely right for the state to provide generous and unbureaucratic support – to pave the way for the economy to recover as soon as the crisis is gone.

In managing the coronavirus crisis, however, it is also important to not lose sight of the bigger challenges ahead: the impact of global warming, the excess consumption of resources far beyond what planet earth can cope with and the loss of biodiversity. We believe that the current coronavirus crisis offers a unique opportunity to rethink current models of business and to shape a new economic start on a more sustainable and future-proof basis.

It is only natural that in times of great uncertainty, people prefer to rely on tried-and-tested routines instead of new, forward-looking strategies. In crises, however, things often become possible that seemed inconceivable yesterday. During crises, new ideas for a better future can also emerge. In the “Corona Sustainability Compass (CSC) – manage today, master tomorrow” blog, which will go online in the week before Easter, authors including leading scientists, decision-makers from the world of business and politicians will make their personal contribution to the debate.

Lessons from the Corona Crisis

The Corona crisis is perceived by many as a historical caesura. As a result of a zoonosis, the pandemic with the Sars-CoV-2 virus occurred, which out a spotlight on the global interdependencies between society, nature and economic activity. The containment of the virus requires drastic measures and as a result new fundamental questions arise about the values of economic activity, ... read more

The black toe and the virus: A wake-up call for planetary health

„I am sorry but we need to amputate your toe!” – This was the statement that changed everything for Erik. The 68-year-old overweight diabetic man stared at me, the doctor, in disbelief, swallowed hard, and looked down at that toe of his right foot that was totally black. This moment was the start of a long healing process of his foot, and of his life. ... read more

The coronavirus crisis as an opportunity for an innovative future

While the future of humanity has always been unpredictable, major challenges⁠ — like the current pandemic — have been an inevitable part of our shared history. What is different now, however, is that human beings have become the dominant force of planetary change. In other words, the Anthropocene has arrived, and with it an unprecedented opportunity to steer our collective future. read more

International Environmental and Sustainability Policy During

The Coronavirus pandemic has changed the world. Geopolitical tensions, for example between China and the USA, as well as existing conflicts between the EU states appear to have become more severe. In addition, the pandemic has significantly intensified the crisis phenomenon in the Global South, while countries ... read more

Why Planetary Health can promote a more inclusive

One of the most important questions arising from the painful corona crisis is: how can we make the economic case for investing in a green, healthy and just recovery for people and the planet? The COVID-19 pandemic offers many lessons, despite the early stage of global responses. read more

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