World Environment Day 2020: climate change and the pandemic

As Australians continue to digest the health impacts of the horror bushfire season and the coronavirus pandemic, experts are re-enforcing the climate change message on World Environment Day.

Australia was hit hard by bushfires in 2019. Source: Getty Images

Activists and scientists fear the impact of the health crisis will hinder the cliimate change push and slow down its momentum.

The virus has had a practical impact on climate change action, such as emission level reductions, cleaner air, and clearer water.

Earlier this year, it was announced a major United Nations climate conference originally scheduled for November, would be postponed for a year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

On Tuesday next week ((9 June)), Emergency Leaders for Climate Action will host Australia’s first virtual bushfire and climate change summit, bringing together ex-emergency and defence personnel, Indigenous experts, and climate scientists.