As we enter 2021, the world is facing the challenges of recovering from the impact of COVID-19. Despite the difficulties, industries most affected by the pandemic are starting to launch initiatives to bounce back. For example, the tourism industry in Singapore is collaborating with tech startups to ensure safe travel experiences for tourists. Similarly, the MICE industry in Southeast Asia has hosted major events like the World Economic Forum and RISE.
However, concerns remain regarding the environmental repercussions of the virus and our readiness to recover from them. In the initial days of the pandemic, reports surfaced of reduced air and noise pollution globally due to lockdown measures. But as countries ease lockdowns, pollution levels are returning to pre-pandemic levels.
National Geographic reported that COVID-19 is likely to harm the environment as factories rush to make up for lost time, leading to increased pollution levels. There are predictions of “bolder” lobbying from businesses, especially heavy polluters like coal companies.
The focus now should be on tackling these environmental issues. Governments in Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia, Indonesia, and Singapore have implemented policies to counter the impact of COVID-19 on the environment. However, there remains a gap between proposed policies and their implementation on the ground.
The private sector, particularly the tech startup ecosystem, can play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. Startup solutions for waste management and sustainability are emerging, offering innovative ways to combat environmental issues arising from the pandemic.
Academicians have proposed various steps to curb the environmental impact of COVID-19, including sustainable industrialization, renewable energy use, and waste recycling. This presents a vast opportunity for tech startups to innovate across different sectors such as waste management, renewable energy, and transportation.
To ensure sustainable contributions, startups must find a product-market fit and collaborate with stakeholders to understand the problem better. As vaccines are rolled out and countries ease safety measures, collaboration becomes even more critical in finding solutions to environmental challenges.
Time is of the essence as the world strives to return to normalcy post-pandemic. The tech ecosystem holds the potential to drive sustainable solutions for a greener future.
This article was first published on April 22, 2021.
Image Credit: Cate Bligh on Unsplash
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