The Impact of COVID-19 and the Role of Higher Education in Making a Sustainable Recovery

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to explore the implications of COVID-19 to higher education and how universities and colleges can play a critical role in helping shape new ways for the world by adopting environmental sustainability as its academic mission. The effects of the pandemic have reached such proportions that the world may never be the same again. Even though educational institutions have been affected at different levels, there are some measures that can be undertaken to mitigate its impacts. The findings indicate the need for the integration of higher education for sustainable development. This study provides a unique and timely commentary about how coronavirus has altered in positive and negative ways higher education. It suggests that, due to its areas of influence, COVID-19 may also jeopardise the implementation of the sustainable development goals. It sends a cautious warning about the need to continue to put an emphasis on education for sustainable development, so that progress achieved to date is not endangered.