Environmental regulations face axe as economic activities resume globally

Worldwide lockdown in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic resulted in a significant decrease in the carbon footprints due to the shutdown of economic activities. However, after weeks of closure, world governments are working on reviving their business operations to compensate for the losses. In a bid to accelerate economic growth, governments and business groups are renewing their efforts to cut 'green tape' or environmental regulations.

Notably, environmental protection and regulation have been facing the axe when they pose risks or delays in industrial development. Now when the global economic growth has faced severe repercussions due to the Coronavirus outbreak, it is certain that the green tape will be seeing through major cuts in the post-pandemic campaign of countries across the world.

In India, officials at the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change have been giving thumbs up to controversial developmental projects such as new coal mine in an elephant reserve, which will have consequential impacts on biodiversity. The Australian commonwealth government has not been paying attention to threats posed by developmental projects to native wildlife. It is also is seeking to amend national environment laws to save AUS$300 million per year. Recently, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order allowing agencies to get rid of regulations that could hamper economic recovery with environmental policies at the top of the list.

Indonesian lawmakers are looking forward to voting on a bill that proposes approximately 1,000 amendments to almost 80 existing laws, which will allow businesses to evade environmental considerations. If the lawmakers are able to pass the bill, environmental impact assessments will no longer be needed for businesses. Furthermore, it will deregulate the mining industry, allow industrial development around coastal areas, and reduce penalties on violators of environmental regulations and laws.

Evidently, environmental activists have been raising concerns over the ongoing matter. After all, environmentalists have fought for several years for protective measures or 'green tape' to safeguard the nature from the wrath of developmental projects. Weakening or removing environmental controls could escalate the process of erosion of ecosystems at a time when climate change is disrupting the biodiversity. While it is crucial to bring the world economy back in order in the post-pandemic recovery, it becomes the responsibility of the governments to ensure environmental laws are in check during the process.

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