The COVID-19 crisis has changed the world, creating massive economic global disruption. As a response, governments all around the world have dedicated large amounts of public money to counterbalance the socio-economic effects of the crisis. By February 2021, at least USD 14.9 trillion had been committed to COVID-19 recovery packages, and between 3% and 5% of global COVID-19 recovery money has been designated for energy production and consumption.

To achieve sustainability commitments and objectives, countries should aim for a fossil-free recovery from the COVID-19 crisis: that is, boosting economic recovery and creating jobs via a rapid move to clean energy for all while taking steps toward a just transition away from fossil fuels.

This report proposes a series of actions that governments can undertake to achieve a fossil-free recovery, following five key principles that countries can apply to transition to a low-carbon economy while using their energy systems to boost their economies, create employment, and meet their climate and development goals.