Green and Just Recovery? An Analysis of Energy Policies Adopted in Response to the COVID-19 Economic Crisis

In 2020, the world was plunged into an economic crisis. Measures that have been necessary to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic have shuttered businesses and put people out of work. Governments in many countries are responding with direct payments to individuals and other measures to alleviate suffering. They are also engaging in broader economic stimulus.
Efforts have been made to track COVID-19 economic recovery measures around the world and assess what portion of stimulus is flowing to ‘green’ sectors. One such initiative is the Energy Policy Tracker (www.energypolicytracker.org), developed by a consortium of non-profits and think tanks under the leadership of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). The objective of this project is to utilise the rich dataset that underpins the tracker to delve into the policy initiatives that the COVID-19 crisis has triggered. A particular emphasis will be given to identifying the extent to which ‘green’ recovery measures also addressed inequality and the need for a just transition.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kyla Tienhaara

Student:

Partner:

IISD Experimental Lakes Area Inc;International Institute for Sustainable Development

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Queen's University

Program: