Impact of COVID-19 on the social, economic, environmental and energy domains: Lessons learnt from a global pandemic

Abstract

COVID-19 has heightened human suffering, undermined the economy, turned the lives of billions of people around the globe upside down, and significantly affected the health, economic, environmental and social domains. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the ecological domain, the energy sector, society and the economy and investigate the global preventive measures taken to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. This analysis unpacks the key responses to COVID-19, the efficacy of current initiatives, and summarises the lessons learnt as an update on the information available to authorities, business and industry. This review found that a 72-hour delay in the collection and disposal of waste from infected households and quarantine facilities is crucial to controlling the spread of the virus. Broad sector by sector plans for socio-economic growth as well as a robust entrepreneurship-friendly economy is needed for the business to be sustainable at the peak of the pandemic. The socio-economic crisis has reshaped investment in energy and affected the energy sector significantly with most investment activity facing disruption due to mobility restrictions. Delays in energy projects are expected to create uncertainty in the years ahead. This report will benefit governments, leaders, energy firms and customers in addressing a pandemic-like situation in the future.

Impact of the Lockdown during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Electricity Use by Residential Users

“…The COVID-19 pandemic period and the means taken, including lockdown restrictions, will have a long-term impact on the functioning of many economic sectors, including energy. The global socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic includes, i.a., higher unemployment and poverty rates, altered education sectors, changes in the character of work, lower GDPs and heightened risks to health care workers [3].…”

“…In articles and reports on COVID-19 pandemic issues in the context of energy and energy use, the problem is usually analysed from a global (e.g., [1][2][3][4]), regional (e.g., [5,6]) or national point of view. The COVID-19 impacts on the power systems and markets in European countries were considered in [7].…”

Waste disposal characteristics and data variability in a mid-sized Canadian city during COVID-19

“…The measures introduced in Canada and across the world to first reduce the spread of the virus and subsequent ‘re-openings’ have had significant impacts on the economy, environment, and many other social facets of daily life ( Mofijur et al, 2021 ). These are likely to affect waste generation characteristics and disposal behaviors.…”

More Is Not Enough: A Deeper Understanding of the COVID-19 Impacts on Healthcare, Energy and Environment Is Crucial

“…Nicola et al [ 3 ] summarised the COVID-19 impacts on different socio-economic sectors respectively, including the petroleum and oil, agriculture, manufacturing, education, finance, healthcare, tourism and food sectors. Mofijur et al [ 25 ] offered an overview of the COVID-19 impacts on energy, environment and socio-economic sectors separately. Elavarasan and Pugazhendhi [ 26 ] discussed the changes in healthcare, public, government, energy, environment and industries in a parallel manner.…”