Introduction
COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus that has swiftly spread worldwide since it was initially discovered in Wuhan, China. Following the COVID-19 epidemic, social justice and sustainability have been more closely linked. The pandemic has brought attention to the interdependence of people and the environment and the necessity of fair access to resources. Initiatives for social justice and sustainability have become crucial in reducing the pandemic’s adverse effects on the environment and society. Therefore, to create a more equitable and durable post-COVID-19 future, sustainability and social justice measures must be taken into account. Initiatives for sustainability include supporting sustainable agriculture techniques, rehabilitating ecosystems, and developing renewable energy sources. Because they lessen our reliance on finite resources, safeguard the environment, and lower the risk of new pandemics, these activities are essential to fostering a more sustainable future. These programs can also enhance access to critical services, reduce poverty, and create jobs. To lessen the disproportionate effect of the epidemic on marginalized populations, social justice activities must also be put into practice. These programs include paying a decent wage and implementing economic stimulus plans to safeguard the most disadvantaged. Such actions may contribute to lessening inequality and fostering more equitable resource access.
In the education sector, more than 1.2 billion children and youth worldwide have been impacted by school closures as a result of COVID-19, which has had a significant influence on education. Particularly for underprivileged kids who are more likely to lack access to technology and resources, the epidemic has substantially impacted educational attainment (Akat & Karatas, 2020). It has also upset the conventional educational model in many nations and widened access disparities to education. Governments and educational institutions have undertaken several policies in response to the epidemic to ensure education is accessible and egalitarian. Some of these strategies include extending teacher preparation and assistance, giving instructional materials to students, increasing access to digital learning platforms, and providing technology (Aremu, et al., 2021).
The pandemic has also brought attention to the value of a sustainable and socially just educational system. Economic development, social advancement, and the creation of a society that is more inclusive and equal all depend on education. Education systems must be set up to support social fairness and sustainability to confront the current situation. This entails ensuring everyone has access to high-quality education, regardless of gender, race, socioeconomic status, or region. Additionally, it entails developing inclusive learning settings that support fairness, social justice, and respect for diversity.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also had wide-ranging cultural repercussions. Numerous cultural events, activities, and companies have been forced to stop operating entirely or significantly scale back their operations due to the adoption of social distancing and other precautions to stop the virus’ spread. The way individuals interact with and experience culture and the livelihoods of those who rely on the cultural sector for their income have all been significantly impacted by this. In addition, the pandemic has enhanced access to culture in many parts of the world and opened up new avenues for cultural involvement. Online platforms have enabled performers, artists, and other cultural workers to continue creating and sharing their work while reaching new audiences. To make their collections and programming accessible, museums, galleries, and other cultural organizations are increasingly using virtual forms (Cendic & Gosztonyi, 2020)
The epidemic has brought attention to the need for broader access to culture and the significance of safeguarding cultural workers’ livelihoods regarding sustainability and social justice. Governments worldwide have put in place measures, such as financial support, grants, and other types of help, to ensure that cultural workers are not left behind during the pandemic. At the same time, many cultural institutions have taken action to widen access to their offerings, including free or discounted admission, virtual programming, and others. These initiatives have contributed to ensuring that every one may take advantage of the culture and the arts regardless of their financial situation. The pandemic has also made it clear that the cultural industry needs to run more sustainably. Many firms have adopted new efforts to lessen their influence on the environment. These initiatives include cutting back on the usage of paper, garbage, and other materials, as well as embracing digital technology to lower their carbon footprint. This is a crucial step in developing a more resilient cultural industry that is better prepared to handle the problems brought on by climate change.
The new coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has substantially affected the sporting community. Athletes have had to adjust to new protocols, events have been canceled or postponed, and the industry has had financial difficulties. The sporting world has been obliged to concentrate on social justice and sustainability. To safeguard the health and safety of players, staff, and spectators, many leagues have implemented new rules and procedures. This includes implementing social-distancing and hygiene measures, testing and screening participants, and using contactless technology (Bruns, & Kraguljac, 2020).
Athletes and professional leagues have also united to aid their areas throughout the pandemic. Athletes use their platforms to spread awareness about the virus and encourage social isolation and other preventative measures, while other organizations give financial assistance to individuals impacted by it. The sports industry has been working to lessen its impact on the environment. For instance, some leagues have implemented policies that limit the use of single-use plastics at games and other events. These new regulations and practices will improve long-term sustainability and social justice. Despite the difficulties brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, there is a chance for social justice and sustainability will be emphasized in the sporting world.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the journalism sector. Numerous journalists have suffered significantly due to newsroom closures, layoffs, furloughs, and other budget cuts. While some newspapers had to find new ways to support their operations, many publications had to reorient their attention to the pandemic’s effects. The pandemic has also allowed journalists to concentrate on social justice and sustainability issues. Journalists can cover environmental stories, such as the improvement in air quality during lockdowns and the disproportionate effects of the pandemic on some towns. With stories being published on topics like the lack of access to healthcare, unequal access to protective gear, and the requirement for environmental regulations, the epidemic has also brought attention to existing social and environmental inequities (Ratten, 2020)
Many magazines have switched to digital-first business models to survive, including building paywalls and subscription structures and relying on reader donations. By doing so, they can continue covering significant stories and generating a reliable cash stream. The pandemic has also prompted a shift in journalism toward more innovative and collaborative practices. Technology has made it possible for journalists to work remotely, collaborate with coworkers around the globe, and access new information sources. They have continued covering essential news while preserving social isolation practices because of this.
The epidemic has, in general, had a considerable influence on the news sector, but it has also given journalists an opportunity to concentrate on sustainability and social justice issues. Journalists have continued educating the public while maintaining their businesses by adopting digital-first methods, deploying new and collaborative techniques, and covering stories about inequality and environmental issues. (Musumec, 2022)
Conclusion
In all facets of society, including social justice and sustainability, the COVID-19 epidemic has caused an unprecedented scenario. Despite the difficulties the pandemic has caused, there have been modest gains in both fields. The epidemic has particularly highlighted the value of sustainability, the need for further investment in renewable energy sources, and the necessity of increased social justice activities. The pandemic has also brought attention to the need for more assistance for individuals impacted by the economic crisis, especially the most vulnerable. Despite the fact that there is still much to be done to secure social justice and sustainability, the pandemic has served as a crucial reminder of the significance of these concerns and how closely they are linked to the health and welfare of our society.
References
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Ratten, V., (2020). Journal of Entrepreneurship in emerging Economics,
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