The year 2020 has been exceptional in many ways. The Covid-19 pandemic is changing the way we work and interact with each other. The expectation is that there is no return to the pre-Covid-19 world. We have to adapt, learn new ways to live, work, and do business. It may be unavoidable that some businesses will demise and others flourish.
After the Covid-19 outbreak in the spring 2020 I was surprised how quickly and efficiently our ministry and embassies moved to distance work. We are now using digital communications much more effectively on a daily basis. Many meetings, even high-level international ones in the EU and United Nations, are now held online. People are quick in learning and adapting when it is necessary.
Finland, like other countries, is trying to balance the measures between protecting the health of its citizens and causing a minimum level of harm to the economy. This has been a rather challenging equation. It has been unavoidable that some sectors, like restaurants, hotels, and travel have suffered.
Many countries, including Thailand, have restricted entry to the country. While this has been effective in protecting people’s health and preventing the pandemic from spreading, it has come with a high price in the tourism and service sectors. In a country like Thailand, where foreign tourism has provided for a significant part of the economy, this has caused the closure of numerous hotels, restaurants, cafes, as well as cutting the income of various small service providers. The livelihoods of many people have collapsed. The Thai government has provided economic stimulus schemes for the people and businesses, which has provided some relief. More broadly, not only tourism but also international business connections, cultural, educational, and social ties between peoples, have been hit by the travel restrictions.
Shifting our societies towards more sustainable development paths is long overdue. The crisis created by Covid-19 could serve as a catalyst for new and more sustainable living. The European Union green recovery plans include the European Green Deal policy and other efforts that will boost jobs and growth, the resilience of societies and health of the environment.
Finland has committed to becoming carbon neutral by the year 2035. This is a challenging target and entails clean energy production, sustainable transport infrastructure, efforts in bio and circular economy as well as sustainable land use, including carbon sinks. Finland’s green recovery will provide funding and reforms toward a carbon-neutral society.
“The opportunity to direct the societies and economies toward a more sustainable development path is possible.”
Also in Thailand, green recovery could mean investments in various clean technologies, circular economy, sustainable energy production, land use and tourism. Finnish companies and expertise in these fields are world class and can support Thailand’s efforts.
It is evident that the world is changing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Following the health and economic crisis, governments will find ways to kick-start economies. The opportunity to direct the societies and economies toward a more sustainable development path is possible and is a chance we cannot miss.
Add Comment