Energy and water: COVID-19 impacts and implications for interconnected sustainable development goals

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a chance to investigate the effects of system-wide emergencies on major global commodities such as water and energy. In terms of environmental policies and attaining supply security, these developmental goals are interrelated. Despite pandemic disruptions, there is a compelling need for a systematization in these areas for the transition to clean water access and sustainable energy. This article presents a comprehensive assessment of the effects of COVID-19 on these two sustainable development goals. Further, an integrated aspect of water and energy access for sustainable development is evaluated with insights on the effects of COVID-19 on the water-energy nexus. Additionally, technological evolution for building better water and energy supply systems is presented. An insight into developing robust healthcare systems and how the water and energy SDGs affect population dynamics is also speculated, which indicates varied short-term adaption experiences, and highlights the need for a re-evaluation of the water-energy nexus. The integrated solutions contributing to stability of the water supply chain, energy storage, and policy making during and after an outbreak are critical to achieving developmental goals.