2nd PDF - Pages 4-10
2nd PDF - Pages 4-10
2nd PDF - Pages 4-10
Communication
COVID-19 and the UN Sustainable Development
Goals: Threat to Solidarity or an Opportunity?
Walter Leal Filho 1,2, * , Luciana Londero Brandli 3, * , Amanda Lange Salvia 3 ,
Lez Rayman-Bacchus 4 and Johannes Platje 5
1 European School of Sustainability Science and Research, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences,
Ulmenliet 20, D-21033 Hamburg, Germany
2 Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street,
Manchester M1 5GD, UK
3 Faculty of Engineering and Architecture (FEAR), Postgraduate Program in Civil and Environmental
Engineering (PPGEng), University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo 99052900, Brazil;
amandasalvia@gmail.com
4 The Business School, University of Winchester, Winchester SO22 5HT, UK;
lez.rayman-bacchus@winchester.ac.uk
5 Faculty of Finance and Management, WSB University in Wrocław, ul. Fabryczna 29-31,
53-609 Wrocław, Poland; Johannes.platje@wsb.wroclaw.pl
* Correspondence: w.leal@mmu.ac.uk (W.L.F.); brandli@upf.br (L.L.B.)
Received: 27 May 2020; Accepted: 17 June 2020; Published: 1 July 2020
Abstract: COVID-19, as a pandemic, is impacting institutions around the world. Its scope and
economic dimensions also mean that it poses a major threat towards achieving the UN Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). This article discusses how the coronavirus pandemic may influence
the SDGs and could affect their implementation. The methods used entail an analysis of the
literature, observations and an assessment of current world trends. The results obtained point
out that, while COVID-19 has become a priority to many health systems in developing nations,
they still need to attend to many other existing diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and others.
Further, the study shows that strong concerns in dealing with COVID-19 are disrupting other disease
prevention programs. As a result, problems such as mental health are also likely to be overlooked,
since the isolation of social distancing may mask or lead to an increase in the percentage of suffers.
The paper suggests that, due to its wide scope and areas of influence, COVID-19 may also jeopardize
the process of the implementation of the SDGs. It sends a cautious warning about the need to continue
to put an emphasis on the implementation of the SDGs, so that the progress achieved to date is
not endangered.
1. Introduction
The Sustainable Development Goals were approved by the United Nations in 2015. They have
been in place for five years, and already many nations seem to be falling behind in meeting their
targets [1]. There are signs that the impacts of COVID-19 on the global economy will be more intense
and long-lasting than those felt during the 2008–2009 global financial crisis [2]. These impacts pose a
serious threat to the development prospects of less industrialized nations, and to the realization of the
UN SDGs by 2030. Nevertheless, the UN remains optimistic, as it launches a plan to “defeat the virus
and build a better world” [3]. The plan calls for international solidarity, for the leading economies
to develop “coordinated, decisive, inclusive and innovative policy action” especially financial and
technical support to the world’s most vulnerable and poor [3]. The UN has also launched an appeal to
raise USD 2 billion to fight COVID-19 [4]. This is necessary as the pandemic can, for example, lead to a
“famine of biblical proportions” [5].
The pandemic of the Spanish flu in 1918–1920 shows that after a sharp economic decline in the
initial phase in the USA, the early reaction and strict policy reduced the death toll and prevented the
negative effects to persist over time [6]. In hindsight, the economic effects of SARS-1 may have been
lower than was predicted or presented in the media [7]. Very often, the effects of a pandemic are most
strongly felt by the weakest, such as people who are in a lockdown without paid leave, and thus having
difficulties with buying the daily necessities. In particular, women, low-wage employees and part-time
workers are hurt [8]. The problems in the management of pandemics are not only limited to the late
reaction of policy makers due to the ignorance of threats. In the case of the Spanish flu and SARS-1,
the potential threat of these pandemics was ignored or not taken seriously [8,9]. Further, in the case of
the current pandemic, there were signs of potential trouble already in November 2019, while only in
January 2020, action was undertaken in China [10]. Thus, even with experience of SARS-1, and the
relatively quick action in China, Taiwan, etc. [11], the reaction was delayed. Downplaying the threat
of COVID-19 by comparing it to a “normal flu” could be widely observed in politics and the media
during the first months of 2020 [9].
This paper explores how the coronavirus pandemic may affect addressing societal issues at the
heart of some of the SDGs. The rationale behind the decision of not to examine all SDGs in this paper is
because the focus is on those more directly affected by COVID-19, and where there is a pressing need
for urgent action. This is the case for SDGs such as 1 (No poverty), 2 (Zero hunger), 3 (Good health),
4 (Quality education), 5 (Gender equality), 8 (Decent work), 10 (Reduce inequalities) and 16 (Peace,
justice and strong institutions). There are other SDGs whose relevance to COVID-19 are not as pressing,
such as 7 (Affordable and clean energy), 14 (Life below water) or 15 (Life on land), hence they were not
considered in this study.
It first outlines the origins of the virus in Wuhan, an industrialized city in China. The paper
then presents the approach, materials and methods used in organizing and constructing the
arguments presented. It highlights the approach of combining (a) impact as the phenomenon
under study, (b) the economy as an ecosystem and (c) a critical reflection on economic development.
The first two parts provide insight, while the third draws on this insight to call for action in order to
better achieve the SDGs. Following this methodological framework, and by way of providing a wider
contemporary context for exploring the impact, Section 3 outlines some of the immediate economic
impacts of the virus, touching on international trade, financial markets, air travel and employment.
This is followed by a discussion of the likely unfolding direction of impact of COVID-19, drawing on
recent analyses, research and informed observations about the future world economy and possible
consequences for implementing the SDGs.
(MERS) being more prominent. Most symptoms are mild, whereas other patients experience more
severe symptoms such as pneumonia, pulmonary edema and organ failure, which may lead to
death [12].
The virus was initially confined to China, but it quickly spread to other parts of the word.
The first countries to report cases of COVID-19 were Japan, South Korea and Thailand [12]. Most cases
out of China were initially a result of international travel rather than local transmission. As of
30 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency after an
extensive assessment of the epidemic [14].
Following the official WHO warning, the number of global cases rose rapidly, with over 100,000
confirmed cases in 114 countries by early March 2020. The incidence of local transmissions is still
increasing at an alarming rate. The severity of the problem led WHO to characterize the situation as
a pandemic as of 11 March 2020 [15]. Since then, the epicenter of COVID-19 shifted to Europe and
to the United States, with more reported cases and deaths than the rest of the world. The United
Kingdom has, so far, recorded the most cases and deaths in Europe [16].
As of 19 March 2020, approximately 176 countries and across all regions have been affected by
COVID-19 with over 6.2 million confirmed cases worldwide, and over 380,000 deaths [16]. Alternatively,
China has managed to reduce the spread of the disease within its borders [17], and the current epicenter
of the problem is in Europe and in the Americas, though it is expected that the African continent will
soon be affected, with South Africa having the most cases on the continent so far.
out in June 2020, in order to assess any pattern of search showing interest in economic, social and
environmental issues.
The review categorized references to COVID-19 into (a) economic, (b) social and (c) environmental.
We identified three key stakeholder groups attached to all references: concerned policy makers
(e.g., UNCTAD), market share-dealing participants (e.g., S&P 500) and informed observers (e.g., Forbes).
A content analysis of these published materials identified overlapping concerns and arguments,
representing a convergence of thinking among stakeholders about the nature of (a) the economic
impact (in particular financial size of impact and scope, sectors facing immediate collapse, including
impact on international supply chains), and (b) the social impact (including public health and public
health systems, loss of employment and poverty, education, gender). These analyses were mapped to
the SDGs, highlighting which SDGs would be adversely affected. The review also identified potential
challenges to overcoming the pandemic (unlikelihood of an early vaccine) and possible technological
solutions (tracing using electronic surveillance).
Table 1. Top 100 online hits for “COVID-19 and impact”: non-economic impacts.
Top 100 Online Hits for “COVID-19 and Impact”: Non-economic Impacts (Google), 9 June 2020
1–50 51–100
Economic + Business Economy 0.5, 0.5
Business 0.5
Labor/work 1
Social Health/medical 1,1 1, 1, 1, 1
Education 1 1, 1
Individual mobility 0.5
Gender Women 0.5, 1 0.5
Children 1, 1
Environmental
Administrative and Other Air traffic (Europe) 1
Legal services 1 1
EU projects admin 1
Weather forecast infrastructure 1
Info + Research Aggregator (Wiki) 1 1
Mass media 1
Socio-econ Socio-econ 1, 1 1, 1, 1
Social 1 1
Global poverty 1
TOTAL (1-50 + 51-100)
Non-econ: 32% (14 + 18)/100 14/50 18/50
Econ only: 68% (36 + 32)/100 36/50 32/50
Note: A score of 0.5 means a particular hit straddles two categories: impact on women in small fishing businesses;
econ impact on women; econ impact on individual mobility; econ impact on women entrepreneurs.
Figure
Figure 1. Some
1. Some of the
of the mainimpacts
main impactsof
of COVID-19
COVID-19 on
onthe
theSustainable
SustainableDevelopment Goals.
Development Goals.
the COVID-19 pandemic, they are also more affected by the health, economic and social impacts of
the outbreak. Some impacts are expected for SDG 5 [36] such as exacerbated burdens of unpaid care
work for women and girls, rise of domestic violence due to heightened tensions in the household,
decline in women’s economic empowerment, exclusion from leadership roles and interrupted access
to sexual and reproductive health. Similarly, inequalities in income and wealth are severe and can be
expected to widen globally with the pandemic (SDG 10); those not dependent on employment will
be marginally affected, while those on low income will probably fall into poverty. The wide range of
resources available in the rich world will not fully reach the poor, who will be even more affected by
the forthcoming economic crisis, especially in Africa [37]. The COVID-19 pandemic also highlights the
link between clean water and health, especially because a large percentage of the global population
does not have access to proper sanitation and drinking water (SDG 6).
A recent review of scenarios of the future of the USA economy, put forward by various think
tanks (the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute, the left-leaning Center for American Progress,
Harvard University’s Safra Center for Ethics) and Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Romer,
identified similarities in their projections [38]. These scenarios see economic recovery as (1) requiring
the control of COVID-19 to be established quickly, which in turn requires an effective vaccine to be
developed (but which may be 18 months away), (2) coupled with mass testing and mass surveillance
and (3) significantly lower rates of infection such that national healthcare systems will have the capacity
to manage. In terms of mass surveillance, Google and Apple have formed a partnership to enable
the tracking of Android and iOS devices, providing information that health authorities will be able to
use to map the spread of COVID-19 infection [39]. Communication technology is not a silver bullet
as access is not universal, but it seems to promise cost-effective penetration of populations and user
identification. More than 60% of the globe has access to either a mobile or smart phone [40], though this
masks that in developed economies, 75% of the population has access to mobile internet connectivity,
while only 40% of the lower- and middle-income population has access. Moreover, in South Asia
and sub-Saharan Africa, there remains persistent gaps in gender usage and between rural and urban
take-up [41].
There is already a valuable historical precedent for this surveillance strategy, in the form of a
developed framework for managing the contagion of the Ebola disease [42], and detecting those with
latent tuberculosis infection [43]. Still, civil liberty and privacy advocacy groups see danger in this
development as Big Tech and governments may misuse such information. While the political dangers
are real, this technological and strategic approach may turn out to be an unexpected enabler of SDG
implementation, in particular towards improving public health (SDG-3), with spillover effects that
contribute to other SDGs. For example, there is evidence that pro-growth government spending
during a recession carries “significant positive multipliers in social protection, health and education
sectors” [44]. The same can be said about the positive effects of seeking green public procurement (GPP),
which can not only contribute to economic development but also promote environmental benefits and
even focus on the non-environmental part of the Sustainable Development Goals [45]. GPP can also be
seen as a valuable resource especially for small and medium enterprises to reduce their risks and be
prepared in times of crisis, promoting marketing growth and green networks [46].
The IMF (International Monetary Fund) expects low-income countries to suffer most, through
growing capital outflows [47] and flight into the dollar and euro, while the strengthening of the dollar
could be damaging to economies dependent on the export of natural resources. The poor, not only in
emerging and low-income economies, with low savings and less access to health care are expected
to suffer disproportionately more [47]. Many developing nations will become poorer. The higher
unemployment rates and the expected difficulties in servicing debt obligations means that chronic
problems such as limited food supplies (SDG2), reduced access to health care (SDG3) and disruption to
school education (SDG4), among others, will worsen. Developing nations, especially in Africa and
Latin America, will also take longer to recover from these damages, and will need much support in
respect of aid and subsidies, before they can get back on their feet. It is no exaggeration to suggest
suffer disproportionately more [47]. Many developing nations will become poorer. The higher
unemployment rates and the expected difficulties in servicing debt obligations means that chronic
problems such as limited food supplies (SDG2), reduced access to health care (SDG3) and disruption
to school education (SDG4), among others, will worsen. Developing nations, especially in Africa and
Latin America,
Sustainability will also take longer to recover from these damages, and will need much support
2020, 12, 5343 8 of 14 in
respect of aid and subsidies, before they can get back on their feet. It is no exaggeration to suggest
that the impacts of COVID-19 on the global economy will be more intense and long-lasting than those
thatfelt
theduring
impacts theof2008–2009
COVID-19global on thefinancial
global economy will be more
crisis. It therefore posesintense and long-lasting
a serious threat to the than those
development
felt prospects
during theof2008–2009 global financial crisis. It therefore poses a serious
less industrialized nations, which will now need more time to implement the SDGs. threat to the development
prospects of less
All nations industrialized
have been nations,
caught which
unpreparedwill nowfor need more time
a pandemic. Intoanticipation
implement the of aSDGs.
demand for
assistance, on March 3 2020, the World Bank allocated USD 12 billion emergency for
All nations have been caught unprepared for a pandemic. In anticipation of a demand assistance,
funding to help
on March 3 2020, the World Bank allocated USD 12 billion emergency funding
developing countries strengthen their health systems against COVID-19 [48]. The COVID-19 crisis is to help developing
countries
revealingstrengthen
chronic their health systems
underinvestment in against
healthcareCOVID-19
systems[48]. overThetheCOVID-19
last decade crisis
among is revealing
developed
chronic
economies (in governance, financing, service delivery, medicines and equipment, healtheconomies
underinvestment in healthcare systems over the last decade among developed workers and
(in governance,
information financing, service [49],
communication) delivery,
and medicines and equipment,
a critical lack of resiliencehealth
in theseworkers and[50,51].
systems information
Further,
communication) [49], and a critical lack of resilience in these systems [50,51].
addressing such failings may pose a serious danger to global investments in social and healthcare Further, addressing such
failings may pose a serious danger to global investments in social and healthcare
systems, both directly and indirectly. Some developed nations are likely to prioritize investing in systems, both directly
andnational
indirectly. Some developed
emergency and economicnations are likely
recovery to prioritize
programs, investing
potentially in national
further emergency
undermining and
an existing
economic recovery programs, potentially further undermining an existing
need for investment in developing countries’ healthcare systems [52,53]. The crisis is also fueling need for investment in
developing countries’ healthcare systems [52,53]. The crisis is also fueling
populism and nationalism via patriotism [54,55], potentially undermining international solidarity. populism and nationalism
via For
patriotism
example, [54,55], potentially
President Donald undermining
Trump (USA) international
has signedsolidarity.
a USD 2 For example,
trillion relief President
bill, 99% of Donald
which is
Trump (USA) has signed a USD 2 trillion relief bill, 99% of which is tied to
tied to emergency and economic initiatives [56]. Fox News questions why some USD 12 billion of this emergency and economic
initiatives
fund has [56]. Foxallocated
been News questions why not
to projects some USD 12related
directly billion to
of the
this US
fund has been In
epidemic. allocated
contrast, to projects
the British
not government
directly related to the US epidemic. In contrast, the British government
has pledged GBP 200 million to WHO and NGOs (non-governmental institutions) has pledged GBP 200 million in
to WHO and NGOs (non-governmental institutions) in order to fight coronavirus
order to fight coronavirus [57]. Indeed, there is evidence of societal stakeholders around the [57]. Indeed, there
world
is evidence of societal stakeholders around the world taking a shared responsibility:
taking a shared responsibility: by May 2 2020, some 1191 donors have pledged USD 15.8 billion to by 2 May 2020,
some 1191
fight donors have
COVID-19 pledged
(Figure USD world
2). Major 15.8 billion
leadersto fight
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a virtual (Figure
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metwith
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absence of theEURUSA7.4 billion, with the notable absence of the USA [50].
[50].
Figure
Figure 2. Funding
2. Funding response
response to COVID-19
to the the COVID-19 threat.
threat. Source:
Source: Based
Based in [58].
in [58].
Moreover,
Moreover, as Wintour
as Wintour of The
of The Guardian
Guardian notes,
notes, “in “in a sign
a sign of the
of the fractured
fractured state
state of global
of global health
health
diplomacy”,
diplomacy”, India
India and and Russia,
Russia, among
among others,were
others, wereabsent,
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separate summit
summit was
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for Iran,
Iran, India
Indiaand
andother
otherleaders
leaders[50].
[50].Why
Why is solidarity wanting?
is solidarity wanting? TheThe
UNUN is asking the rich
is asking the world to come
rich world
together
to come with the
together withpoor
theworld in an act
poor world in of
ansolidarity in orderintoorder
act of solidarity overcome COVID-19
to overcome and address
COVID-19 and the
SDGs.the
address However,
SDGs. international solidarity issolidarity
However, international mercurial;iswhile havingwhile
mercurial; a global quality
having (as a movement),
a global quality
(as aasmovement),
the behavior asoftheindividual
behavior ofworld leaders
individual shows,
world it also
leaders involves
shows, voluntary
it also involves choices
voluntaryand strategic
choices
andbehavior
strategic [59,60].
behavior Further,
[59,60].seeking
Further,solidarity towards atowards
seeking solidarity relatively abstract abstract
a relatively idea (theidea
SDGs)
(theisSDGs)
difficult
is difficult to maintain. COVID-19 presents an emergency (clear and present danger), which can
galvanize a patriotic and collective response, while the SDGs are relatively abstract (out of sight, out of
mind) with no immediately clear consequences (climate change notwithstanding).
Nevertheless, the international development community fears that COVID-19 foreshadows
reduced political support for aid, where other significant development and health priorities may be
marginalized, and there could be some form of rationing of work among NGOs and implementers [61].
Sustainability 2020, 12, 5343 9 of 14
While national priorities must be addressed, there is a danger of divergent positions undermining the
solidarity of which the UN speaks and underpins the SDGs being realized, with consequences for the
recipient developing economies. Further, many countries are appealing to national patriotism to fight
COVID-19 [62–64], potentially undermining international solidarity, though the Chinese media speak
of the country’s desire to help the rest of the world [65].
In contrast with these social adverse impacts, the shutdown of entire economies around the
world has led to significant reductions in CO2 emissions, as the demand for fossil fuel plummeted;
air travel all but ceased and industrial operations stopped [66]. Indeed, the world’s population has been
experiencing cleaner air, beaches and much reduced noise pollution. However, alongside these benefits,
waste has risen as recycling and waste management facilities closed down [67], and packaging from
surging online shopping accumulates [68]. These improvements are temporary; when economic
activity returns we can expect a return to former levels of environmental degradation.
A further positive change is that enforced social isolation is stimulating the digital economy,
including greater demand for streaming services, video conferencing and e-commerce. Business,
governments and educational services are all exploring these developments. Indeed, the establishment
of more online education promises a more inclusive educational framework [68]. Looking ahead,
some permanent change in working practices seems likely, as organizations institute some greater
proportion of remote/home-based working, for both its economic and environmental benefits.
broad readiness for change among the world’s population, and the pandemic’s stark reminder of our
vulnerability, should reaffirm, and add impetus to, a more inclusive form of development.
Author Contributions: Conceptualization, W.L.F.; data collection L.L.B., A.L.S., L.R.-B. and J.P., methodology, W.L.F.,
writing—original draft preparation, L.L.B., A.L.S., L.R.-B. and J.P.; writing—review and editing, W.L.F., A.L.S.
and L.L.B. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research has been supported by the European School of Sustainability Science and Research (ESSSR)
https://esssr.eu/.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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