Climate Change, Environment, and Peace Under COVID-19

Does COVID19 have a silver lining for the environment? Environmental scientists state that these visible, positive impacts are only temporary, however, and are connected to the severe economic downturns and human suffering that are the result of the pandemic.

There is a clear link between high environmental stress and human rights violations. During the pandemic, there is also a connection between the effect of the virus on humans and environmental degradation. Are there opportunities in this moment to make crucial adjustments to build a more just, sustainable, and peaceful society?

Our discussion will be led by an international group of Rotary Peace Fellows who are experts in this field.

Panelists:

  • Daniel Cooney, Acting Director, Communications Division, United Nations Environment Programme; former Rotary Peace Fellow at University of California – Berkeley
  • Chiara Liguori, Policy Adviser on Environment and Human Rights at Amnesty International (UK); former Rotary Peace Fellow at Chulalongkorn University
  • Elisa Hernández de Pablo, Head of Environment, La Casa Encendida Fundación Montemadrid; former Rotary Peace Fellow at Chulalongkorn University