Pandemic and carbon tax regime to kick-start green economy

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted supply chains and hampered economic recovery in most countries including Indonesia. It is worth recalling that in 2020 our economy contracted 2.1 percent, the first negative growth since 1998. The economy started to recover last year, but the growth rate is estimated at below the pre-pandemic level of 5 percent. According to the World Health Organization, the link between biodiversity loss, climate change and pandemic is crystal-clear. From the helicopter view, in many instances, climate change acts as a threat multiplier. Therefore, biodiversity loss and climate change are twin catastrophes that should be simultaneously addressed. In this regard, holistic strategies incorporating the whole gamut of fiscal policy and ecological strategy should be in place.