What can COVID-19 teach us about preparing for climate risks in Europe?

CASCADES Policy Brief November 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting many areas of decision-making and policy planning. Lockdowns, economic shocks and public recovery packages are affecting the way we plan for the future, and have shifted societal values and perceptions of risk. Societies across the world have rapidly developed a “new normal”, whilst coping mechanisms and levels of cooperation vastly differ across the globe, significantly affecting impacts and costs. This context should be taken as a new starting point when planning for future crises.

Climate change impacts have the same potential for amplification through system interconnectivity, political responses, and social vulnerability.

This policy brief is a joint publication between CASCADES and the project REmote Climate Effects and their Impact on European sustainability, Policy and Trade (RECEIPT).