CARIBBEAN STAKEHOLDERS, among them academics and representatives from the private sector, recently got together to bring into sharp focus the need to prioritise a look at the linkages between COVID-19 and the environment.

The occasion was a teleconference hosted by The University of the West Indies under the theme ‘COVID and the environment: For better or for worse?’ It was hosted virtually on World Environment Day, which was celebrated this year under the theme ‘Time for Nature’.

“Notwithstanding the temporary reprieve that the pandemic seemed to provide for some aspects of the environment, there does not seem to be any significant inclusion of environmental concerns or even mention of the environment in discussions related to reopening, recovery, and living in the new COVID era,” noted Professor Michael Taylor, dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at The University of the West Indies (UWI), who led on the teleconference.

“This would include a lack of discussion on how to maintain gains seen or how to handle environmental threats still present, while also trying to deal with COVID-19,” he added.

See full story: Earth Today | UWI turns spotlight on COVID-19 and the environment