Recovery, Renewal, Resilience

COVID-19 has challenged traditional systems and required innovative thinking about how to recover. In the Caribbean consideration is being given to harnessing the power of renewable energies.

The Caribbean is vulnerable to a number of natural disasters and so too is its energy infrastructure. COVID-19 has raised questions about the resilience of energy infrastructure if a disaster such as a cyclone were to hit the region during the pandemic and the cascading impacts of this on critical services and well-being. Renewable energy systems are capable of surviving many types of natural disaster and would provide some protection in the case of an additional emergency during the COVID-19 pandemic[3].

In addition, the wider benefits of renewable energy have been considered for recovery in the Caribbean. The benefits include lower costs of energy, more stable energy provision, and increased independence through diversified and local energy sources which would boost the economy and help develop equitable access to power.

[3] Energy news: http://newenergyevents.com/coronavirus-the-caribbean-is-the-first-domino-to-fall-but-there-is-hope/

This may include retrofitting of building to make them more efficient which supports the green agenda, jobs, economic recovery, and healthier living, while protecting them from other risks such as fire.

As a way to keep people connected with the environment and land during recovery. This will help embed the importance of the environment in the public mind long term.

Reference: Civil Protection expert, Portugal

Reference: Resilience expert, UK

Local government should monitor reductions in carbon emissions and promote clean air campaigns by encouraging the continuation of online and remote working after Covid-19 movement restrictions are relaxed.

Reference: CEO Digital Corporation, Germany

Local government should plan for the effect of cascading disasters that happen at the same time as Covid-19. This should plan for solutions and mass care and solutions which respect social distancing during evacuation and shelter.

Reference: American Red Cross, USA

Local government should develop a strategy to reimagine the use of green spaces so that they are accessible to all and accommodate social distancing for the foreseeable future.

Reference: Chief Resilience Officer, Italy