Chronology of COVID-19 - Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Global Transport Sector

DOI- https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22921274

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by United Nations are aimed to have a diplomatic world where a healthy, sustainable, and safe environment is created for human life without any discrimination. However, 2020 was the year of COVID-19 pandemic which has had an extreme impact on environment, human life, energy, economy, and transport sector. These sectors rely on each other and quarantine and lockdown restrictions had drastically affected them due to COVID-19. All transport and industries were shut down with lockdown and caused reduction in energy demand. The change in energy demand had a serious impact on power generation. Declining economy has created adverse impact on financial condition and mental health, which often caused life-threatening decisions. Transport sector also faced a financial dip when it comes to recover the losses that are not feasible without support from the government and new friendly policies. EVs and sustainable transport must be promoted. When people are working from home and staying at home, it is important to take care of indoor environment. This study is aimed to discuss the chronology of COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on SDGs and global transport sector. The findings suggest that SDGs have suffered the effects of COVID-19 significantly to achieve their goals by 2030 and need combined support from all countries.

Keywords: sustainable development goals (SDGs), COVID-19, global transport sector, environment, lockdown restrictions