Together Apart

Sustainability Connections in the World of COVID-19

The world has changed dramatically in recent weeks and months as COVID-19 alters the way people live and work. The pandemic illustrates the fundamental challenge of sustainability, which is that human well being, society, and prosperity are not separable from environmental conditions. Staying connected in these unprecedented and uncertain times is one of the most important things we can do right now. So, let’s come together – while apart. Check this page frequently for information about the vast and multifaceted sustainability aspects of this global pandemic including its relation to things like biodiversity, climate change, air quality, and more. We’ll keep you updated on how the School of Global Environmental Sustainability and our many campus, local, national, and international partners are persevering in the face of this ‘new normal’.

Get the latest information about Colorado State’s COVID-19 response and check out how CSU research is working towards COVID-19 solutions.

Sustainability Connections Continued

What We're Reading

Addressing climate change in a post-pandemic world

Here's how to deliver a green recovery for the G20 economies

We're flattening the coronavirus curve. We can flatten the climate curve, too.

MSNBC-Gloabl-Emissions-Drop-Thumbnail

Watch: Global Carbon Emissions drop by 17% Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Here’s what a coronavirus-like response to the climate crisis would look like

Bloomberg.com

Want to Stop the Next Pandemic? Start Protecting Wildlife Habitats

COVID-19 Provides Lessons on Climate Adaptation for Cities

What the coronavirus pandemic tells us about our relationship with the natural world

'What we're reading' Continued
COVID-19 is really opening our eyes to what life in the Anthropocene may be like. Global challenges like pandemics, climate change, and biodiversity loss are all interconnected and impact us all. Hopefully this crisis will lead to a more resilient Earth system and serve as an opportunity to rebuild our world along a more sustainable path than the one we have been on.
Craig Starger
Craig StargerSchool of Global Environmental Sustainability
I think people should use this time of solitude to reflect on what is important for sustainability and in their lives. For me, this means focusing on meaningful work and family.
Chris Funk
Chris FunkDirector, Global Biodiversity Center
[COVID-19] has really mobilized people’s creativity and innovation and I think that there’s some really positive powerful energy going on right now.
Sue VandeWoude
Sue VandeWoudeDirector, One Health Institute
This [COVID-19 crisis] is a clear example of a link between destruction of the natural world and human wellbeing. COVID-19 likely crossed to humans from wildlife at wild game markets. The wild game that is sold at these markets has become increasingly accessible by penetration of formerly wild habitats. Habitat destruction and fragmentation is inextricably linked to the wildlife meat trade, which in turn has resulted in the mess we're in. I just hope that the costs incurred to the world from COVID-19 are considered in the future as an unaccounted cost of habitat destruction and biodiversity loss.
Chris Funk
Chris FunkDirector, Global Biodiversity Center
We need to create more capacity across all aspects of society to understand changes that are nonlinear – whether they are pandemics or anything else.
Pat Keys
Pat KeysLead Scientist, SoGES
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