This is what the world thinks about the idea of limiting COVID aid to green sectors

In the wake of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, people in emerging economies are more likely to favour limiting financial rescue packages to sectors and businesses reducing their environmental footprint, according to new data from Ipsos.

The study asked nearly 20,000 adults in 27 countries about financial aid and incentives to boost economies – with particular focus on whether industries and businesses should be helped only if they've taken measures to reduce their negative impact on the environment.

Globally, opinion was split: 38% of respondents said aid should only be received if demonstrable measures have been taken to reduce carbon emissions and adverse impact on the environment; 36% said environmental impact shouldn't matter.

A clearer picture in emerging economies

But people in emerging economies are much more in favour of limiting aid to industries that aren't making the shift to go green.

In China, for example, 77% were in favour, while more than half of respondents in Malaysia, Mexico, India and Peru held the same opinion.

A Great Reset

The World Economic Forum is calling for a Great Reset in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative is meant seize the current moment of transition to build a more fair, sustainable and resilient future, with a strong focus on tackling the climate crisis.

“We only have one planet and we know that climate change could be the next global disaster with even more dramatic consequences for humankind. We have to decarbonize the economy in the short window still remaining and bring our thinking and behaviour once more into harmony with nature,” said Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum.