Environmental Leadership
Months after the initial outbreak, COVID-19 still plagues the world, forcing the people to stay indoors and distance themselves from the company of others. Businesses big and small have closed down, plunging the economy into unwilling recession.
Going back to the way things were, especially for the economy, is but a fiction. The new normal is what everyone is expecting. Hopefully, more environmentalists and green thumbed individuals are part of creating the new normal future for all of Earth’s inhabitants.
Environmental leadership is more integral to the new normal. There is more emphasis in taking care of Mother Nature than there was before. In the past ten years, living a sustainable life has become the ideal type of life in terms of popularity and practice.
In fact, businesses with environment-friendly efforts are gaining popularity and getting more sales, since consumers themselves are living greener lives.
Sustainability goals, perhaps based on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, are also being listed as prime objectives for most companies. Leaders who promise environmental sustainability solutions will be highly sought after, predicts UN Environment Programme Director Inger Andersen.
So what steps can leaders take now to ensure the health of the planet and its people following this pandemic?
First, business leaders must think about their part in circumventing the effect of pollution spiking again after this crisis. Rules and regulations to protect the planet after the pandemic passes must be implemented.
For lawmakers and elected officials, their priority will be on stabilizing the world economy for the long-term. A sample of greener laws is redesigning subsidies to transition mass dependence away from oil and fossil fuels towards green, sustainable, renewable energy.
It should also go without saying, but making significant investments in sustainable transit infrastructure and environmental remediation projects is also a must.
Luckily, leaders are committing to the health and well-being of the planet beyond their own walls and companies are proving their commitment to green goals with concrete plans to care for the planet.
In due time, this pandemic will pass, and from the ashes will arise better leaders and a greener Earth for all.
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