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The World Isn't Building Back Better After the Pandemic

With only 2.5% of government spending going to green activities, we’re squandering a chance to create jobs and cut emissions

A new report found that, out of the $14.6 trillion announced in spending by the 50 largest economies, only $368 billion or 2.5% has been for green activities. — A new report found that, out of the $14.6 trillion announced in spending by the 50 largest economies, only $368 billion or 2.5% has been for green activities.
Photographer: Robert Atanasovski/AFP/Getty Images

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March 10, 2021, 2:09 PM UTC

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The exuberance of vaccine rollouts in rich countries is masking an ugly reality. Greenhouse gas emissions are already creeping higher than before the pandemic as economies come back to life.