Challenges and Opportunities for the Energy Sector in the Face of Threats Such as Climate Change and the COVID-19 Pandemic—An International Perspective

New threats such as the COVID-19 pandemic have brought forth not only threats to human health but also changes to many other sectors of the global economy. Despite strict lockdowns, the highest annual number of global renewable energy installations were completed in 2020, including onshore wind power stations and PV power stations. The development of these two types of renewables is increasing rapidly. Transformations in terms of renewable energy require both governmental and public support;thus, it is important to note that the pandemic did not weaken the public commitment to fight climate change. This article aims to evaluate the actual level of support for renewable energy sources in different countries of the world and how the pandemic has affected public opinion regarding this issue. Our analysis suggests that, regardless of the pandemic, public support for renewable energy remains strong in different regions of the world. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Energies (19961073) is the property of MDPI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING VERSUS CLIMATE CHANGE AND PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

The observed climate changes pose a serious threat not only to humans and the environment, but also to the further development of life on our planet. Stronger and more frequent climatic anomalies connected with unprecedented hurricanes, and droughts as well as catastrophic floods, on the other hand, are a real threat both to humans and the environment. Unfortunately, during Covid-19 pandemic the situation is getting worse, since all countries are facing serious biological and economic crisis and climate issues become less important. However, environmental engineering is a science counteracting these negative phenomena. First, it provides the technologies that reduce the GHG (greenhouse gas emissions), especially in the traditional energy sector. Secondly, it enables the development of RES (renewable energy sources). Thirdly, it helps to shape the landscape in environmentally friendly way and it provides the technologies that reduce the negative consequences of environmental disasters. Thus, environmental engineering gives hope that the climate crisis will be overcome.

Covid-19, Environmental Engineering and the End of the World as We Know it

Covid-19 stopped the World. When all humanity is worried about their health, is there still any room for technical sciences and environmental engineering? In this work, It will be proved, that the answer is yes. Major challenges, such as climate change, are still valid. In addition, being in a quarantine still we have access to clean water and electricity. Without these goods, our lives in these conditions would be much harder. Investments in renewable energy sources are still being carried out. Covid-19 will not bring the end of the World as such, but the end of the World as we know it. Some sectors of the economy (tourism, public transport, in particular air transport) may cease to exist and the service sector will face a deep recession. This means a gigantic economic crisis and retraction of the World development many years back.