Environmental impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on selected global regions: Precursors of sustainable development

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted sweeping global responses to mitigate its spread, triggering unforeseen repercussions on the environment and the economy. These unintended consequences have cast a novel light on the intersection of pandemic control measures and their impact on environmental health and economic dynamics, consequently influencing global sustainability initiatives. This comprehensive narrative review meticulously investigates the intricate relationship between COVID-19 control measures and environmental well-being. Our study delves into key ecological dimensions, including air quality, water quality, noise pollution, soil quality, and energy demand, scrutinising their transformations during pandemic-induced lockdowns. Additionally, we assessed the pandemic’s unanticipated economic facets, particularly the rapid acceleration of digitisation and e-commerce. Our methodology hinges on an exhaustive literature review, employing rigorous comparisons between lockdown and pre-lockdown parameters. Our findings reveal a remarkable shift in environmental quality indicators during peak lockdown periods, surpassing pre-pandemic benchmarks. This transformation underscores the potential for sustainable behaviours to be seamlessly integrated into our daily lives. The pandemic has not only served as an eye-opener but also as a catalyst for sustainable practices. This review underscores the COVID-19 pandemic’s unprecedented revelation of positive environmental and economic implications. As the global community gears up to fortify health and economic resilience against future crises, the invaluable lessons learned from the pandemic’s silver linings should be the bedrock for shaping future environmental policies and targets. This synergy between health, economy, and environment presents an unprecedented opportunity to advance towards our shared sustainable development goals.