Should Climate Actions Stay Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic? A Crisis Management Governance Perspective

Abstract

It has been more than 5 years since the Paris Agreement was ratified, while the progress to limit the increase in global temperature to well below 2 °C above preindustrial levels is questionable. Addressing climate change cannot be separated from economic and political issues, leading to an emergence of global discourses about the appropriate means for a sustainable transformation. Although the green economy has received criticisms, such a concept is a “popular” vision to balance economic, social well-being, and ecological goals. However, the Covid-19 pandemic, which has no clear ending period, significantly impacts the economy and threatens climate actions. This chapter aims to analyze the fate of climate actions in Indonesia. We employ a crisis management framework to provide insights about governing climate change under the Covid-19 pandemic while seizing the opportunities to achieve the climate target. Unlike previous crises, the Covid-19 pandemic should be treated differently in which the government needs to identify the big picture of the problem. In this regard, the role of leadership played by the President is critical to determine what actions can be possibly taken and measure the potential impacts of delaying the actions. As a result, creative and strategic steps are necessary, aligning with the recovery policies. In terms of potential opportunities, promoting a circular economy would accelerate the government’s commitment to low-carbon development. Moreover, optimizing blended finance to mobilize public and philanthropic funds can support green movements, aligning with the proliferation of green financial markets. Thus, the Covid-19 crisis has become a moment to seize the opportunity for redesigning climate policies, including financing mechanisms and improving the governance in climate adaptation and mitigation.