Impact of Covid‐19 on environmental sustainability: A bibliometric analysis

Abstract

AbstractSince January 2020, the battle against COVID‐19 has been a critical priority for more than 200 nations, so as the academic community. With this regard, the scientific community produced hundreds of publications spanning various topics to remedy this worldwide epidemic. Despite this, little work has looked into its relationship to the sustainable environment debate. Nations had to implement measures such as isolation, movement restrictions, lockdown and social seclusion, just to mention a few. The consequences of these actions were felt in the economy and major societal institutions, but these reforms had indirect repercussions. This bibliometric examination provided us with reasons to be both pleased and apprehensive. It emphasizes that the overall impact on greenhouse gas emissions was reduced, but solid waste increased. Against the backdrop of the present COVID‐19 crisis, this study addressed the critical difficulties and worldwide constraints of solid waste management. Moreover, developing nations showcase less interest in research regarding the theme topic of this study. It is forecasted that economic activities shall bounce back in post pandemic era. Therefore, potential strategies have been proposed in this study in attaining long‐term environmental advantages such as (1) Fossil fuel over‐reliance reduction; (2) initiating waste management policies; (3) Policymakers and regulators must take the necessary measures to ensure that the environment's healing process is not just transitory. Therefore, findings of this study provide a framework for future research and serve as a starting point for environmental scientists to assess the consequences of COVID‐19.