He says: “From a climate science point of view, the current crisis is going to offer researchers an unparalleled opportunity to study the impact of human behaviour on the environment.
"There is a chance to learn what happens to greenhouse gases in the atmosphere when the world returns to 1950s' levels of international transportation.
"Will commitments to reduce greenhouse gases be weakened, faced with slowing economies?
"Or will the experience of lower levels of pollution, including in the emerging world, and an understanding of the positive economic growth impacts of investing in green infrastructure spur more action?
“As residents of many cities have been enjoying cleaner air under lockdowns, public tolerance for a return to business-as-usual is likely to be diminished, along with increased recognition of the impact of air pollution on public health.
"Research is now linking exposure to pollution with the spread and mortality rate of Covid-19, through the effect of air pollution on the body’s immune response and on underlying, aggravating health conditions.
"A review of the causes and contributing factors of the crisis may reinvigorate efforts to tighten emission controls, especially in transport.
“In addition, fiscal stimulus packages may provide a boost to green infrastructure.
EU Green Deal
"In the EU, at least, it appears likely that any long-term support programmes will be aligned to the EU’s Green Deal announced last year.
"Elsewhere, an increase in the availability of low-cost loans and capital will make investments in energy efficiency and renewable technologies more attractive, both of which require an upfront capital outlay but offer a positive economic return.”
David Harrison, sustainable equity fund manager at Rathbones says: “The biggest trends we see in the medium term are: innovation and infrastructure - a structural rise in digitisation across global industries.
"We invest in companies in next generation design technology, companies that will accelerate adoption of electric vehicles and businesses that we view as structural winners as society changes (software companies, payment companies); how we use and preserve water – we are invested in companies that make water systems more sustainable and efficient.”
Other areas of sustainable living are likely to see more popularity.
Louis Florentin-Lee, sustainable equity fund manager at Lazard says: “We believe that plant-based protein will see a significant increase in demand, as the technology to produce it improves and as consumers react to the environmental and health effects of animal-based protein consumption.
"However, we are concerned that the plant-based protein industry will ultimately be commoditised. Producers may make large amounts of revenue, but they are unlikely to make large amounts of profit.
"However, we believe that the flavours and fragrances industry will see a significant positive impact on profitability.
