EXPLORING POSSIBILITIES OF ACHIEVING ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH NGOS AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY INITIATIVES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

The spread of Covid-19 has widely disrupted the environmental sustainability interventions which were being carried out through the NGOs and CSR initiatives. It also posed a major threat towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Pandemic brought solace in the areas of responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, and life on land. However, the real menace begins when industries and businesses recuperate for massive production leading to carbon emissions. NGOs and CSR activities have shifted their focus more on handling the pandemic situation. Policy changes due to the Covid pandemic have affected the nature of CSR spending. This includes the diversion of a majority of CSR funds to short-term Covid-related activities. Coronavirus has triggered a liquidity crisis for NGOs. They have no other alternative except depending on CSR funding. This paper aims to explore and assess the role of NGOs and CSR in promoting environmental sustainability during the pandemic. The methods used involve an analysis of the scientific literature, observations, and an assessment of external data. This paper ascertains that environmental leadership would certainly be more in demand after COVID-19. This study intends to provide a framework for understanding socio-economic, political, and environmental dimensions.