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.

What about us? Youth (un)employment in times of COVID-19

The youth workforce is particularly vulnerable to the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Good policies are now more than needed to pave the way for decent and sustainable jobs for young adults. COVID-19 has shown us just how fragile and globalised our economies and societies are. Poverty and income inequality will severely limit opportunities for youth employment in the post-COVID read more

The use of private capital to provide for climate-friendly recons

The current corona pandemic has led to an abrupt economic and social slowdown never previously thought possible. Private and business enterprises face challenges which are proving almost impossible to master. The post-Corona reconstruction phase also requires us to set the right course now in terms of climate policy and to discuss innovative concepts with sustainable effects for the future. read more

The virus has made it clear: the future is now

Accelerated by a virus, we have suddenly found ourselves in a possible future. The existen-tial threat appears as if through a magnifying glass, allowing us to perceive the state of the world with increased clarity. With astonishment, we have seen political taboos and unques-tioned assumptions falling by the wayside, allowing our institutions to take action. read more

Sustainability has a solid record as a paradigm of resilience

The coronavirus crisis has had a global impact on economic and social life. Supply chains have been disrupted, travel has been cancelled, life has slowed down. It is clear, however, that solutions are being developed in the economy at speed. econsense believes that this crisis doesn’t have to be a breaking point, but an opportunity for sustainability - as long as we take the following three ... read more

Biodiversity as insurance: aligning economic stimulus packages

The corona pandemic reminds us how vulnerable modern societies have become through their treatment of nature. At the same time, many people have experienced nature as a source of recreation during the lockdown. On today's International Day for Biological Diversity it is worth remembering that 2020 is a crucial milestone for global biodiversity conservation. To seize this opportunity, economic reco read more

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