The COVID-19 Crisis and Climate Lobbying

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The COVID-19 pandemic has required dramatic action on a global scale to limit its toll on human health. The introduction of extreme social distancing rules, travel restrictions and other measures has meant some forms of economic activity have almost ceased, threatening jobs and livelihoods. This, in turn, has led many governments to make massive, rapid disbursements of financial aid for individuals and businesses.

Corporate lobbyists have been highly active in this chaos. Much of this lobbying activity is for immediate relief for the worst hit industries and businesses, particularly in hospitality and other services sectors, which employ large numbers of people. However, another trend emerging relating to the climate emergency is the use of the COVID-19 crisis by lobbyists to advocate in a manner counter to the Paris Agreement.

In this briefing, InfluenceMap looks at evidence in two areas on the COVID-19 crisis' intersection with climate lobbying.

Lobbying for financial interventions by governments that are either specifically advantageous for fossil fuel production and/or contrary to science-based advice from the IPCC on climate.

Lobbying for climate deregulation, including efforts to delay or dilute planned climate motivated policy strands.

Trends are summarized in the attached download, with key examples set out in detail. InfluenceMap will continue to monitor and report on this trend as it develops and provide media, investor and campaign group focused updates.