With alarming speed, COVID-19 has infected tens of millions of people worldwide and killed more than one million. It has impacted economies and changed people's lives, particularly the poor and vulnerable who are already disproportionately impacted by climate change and other environmental, social, and economic risks.

The virus has also become central to national policy and has halted business operations in ways that were unimaginable. The economic impacts of these efforts are likely to be felt for years to come.

In addition to responses from government leaders, who are calling for support to cope with the twin crises of public health and rebuilding economies in sustainable and resource-efficient ways, industry and finance stakeholders also have important roles. This includes generating innovative solutions for diversifying production portfolios, building business capacities for sustaining growth, and aligning institutional investors’ fiduciary duties and stewardship practices with long-term decision-making and sustainable value creation.