Date Time
Covid-19 travel plan will let new variants into UK
Reduce air travel not only because of covid-19, but also because of the detrimental impact that this has on our climate, say researchers
The government’s covid-19 travel plan will let new variants into the UK, warn experts in The BMJ today.
Virologists Jangu Banatvala and Deenan Pillay urge caution over plans to implement a traffic light system, permitting international travel to resume dependent upon the covid-19 status of destination countries.
And they warn that the aviation industry’s current enthusiasm to resume international air travel and overseas holidays, and to expand airports needs to be checked, saying “it flies in the face of the twin needs to control international virus transmission, and tackle the climate emergency and environmental degradation.”
Looking at other nations around the world, the path to cutting greenhouse gas emissions seems clear.
First, developwind and solar energy and battery storage to replace coal- and gas-fired electricity. Then, replace petrol and diesel cars with electric vehicles running off carbon-free sources. Finally, replace traditionally made steel, cement and other industries with low-carbon alternatives.
In this global context, the climate policies announced in Tuesday’s federal budget are a long-odds bet on a radically different approach. In place of the approaches adopted elsewhere, the Morrison government is betting heavily on alternatives that have failed previous tests, such as carbon capture and storage. And it’s blatantly ignoring internationally proven technology, such as electric vehicles.
The government’s COVID-19 travel plan will let new variants into the UK, warn experts in
The BMJ today.
Virologists Jangu Banatvala and Deenan Pillay urge caution over plans to implement a traffic light system, permitting international travel to resume dependent upon the COVID-19 status of destination countries.
And they warn that the aviation industry’s current enthusiasm to resume international air travel and overseas holidays, and to expand airports needs to be checked, saying “it flies in the face of the twin needs to control international virus transmission, and tackle the climate emergency and environmental degradation.”
They acknowledge the success of the UK’s COVID-19 vaccination programme which, combined with public health measures, has led to restrictions being eased and plans to reopen international travel.
The packages of measures implemented by governments to drive the post-pandemic economic reactivation are an opportunity to reorient the development pattern towards one that is more sustainable and inclusive, Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), affirmed today during the inauguration of Climate Week 2021.
The senior United Nations official was one of the main speakers at the opening session of the virtual regional gathering, which is bringing together government representatives as well as private sector and civil society leaders to engage in dialogues aimed at seeking solutions, and to show what climate action is needed, with a view to the next United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26, scheduled for this coming November in Glasgow (United Kingdom).
Date Time
Share
Government’s cash splashing budget fails to address twin threats of global pandemic and climate change
Commenting on last night’s Federal Budget and its impact on aid, Oxfam Australia Chief Executive Lyn Morgain said:
“Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said this budget is about protecting Australians, but then failed to address the two biggest threats to our community: the global pandemic and climate change.
“The Treasurer also said his Government is about providing a helping hand to those who need it and emphasised our relatively strong economic position – yet has reduced our overseas aid and development contribution overall.