ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has held a mirror to our society: exposing the cracks and blemishes of our many systems, highlighting the inequalities that exist, and revealing the disproportionate effects this disease has on definite segments of our communities. COVID-19 is considered a global emergency mirroring another ongoing global emergency: climate change which also impacts vulnerable sectors of our populations more significantly. It makes them more at risks to hazards and less likely to be able to adapt and recover from this environmental pandemic. Many of the issues currently faced by both emergencies stem from a historical imbalance in our communities and inherent social inequalities. It is further exacerbated by a growing disconnect between the pillars of sustainability: society, economy, and the environment. If we consider the parallels and links between the two global emergencies, we may gain insight into what our focus should be in order to help our world recover and prepare for a better new normal.