COVID-19: The Lessons We Should Have Learned from Existing Literature

Area of Science:

• Biophysical economics
• Environmental economics
• Ecological economics

Background:

• Human well-being is intrinsically linked to natural resources.
• Disruptions from natural resources, such as pandemics, significantly impact societies.
• Understanding the causes and consequences of these disruptions is crucial for biophysical economists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze guidance from existing literature on epidemics and pandemics.
• To evaluate the preparedness and response to COVID-19 in light of this guidance.
• To highlight the economic and resource costs of inadequate pandemic response.

Main Methods:

• Review of twelve books on epidemics and pandemics.
• Analysis of cited sources for guidance on pandemic sources, spreaders, and responses.
• Assessment of global preparedness and response effectiveness.

Main Results:

• Existing literature offers substantial guidance for pandemic management.
• Many countries demonstrated inadequate preparedness and slow response to COVID-19.
• Failure to implement global networks and funding resulted in immense economic and resource costs.

Conclusions:

• Effective pandemic response requires adherence to established guidance.
• There is an urgent need for an implemented global network and dedicated funding for pandemic preparedness.
• Ignoring biophysical economic principles in resource management leads to severe societal and economic consequences.