Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Area of Tension between the Economy and Climate Change: A Case Study at Rural and City District Level in Southern Germany

Abstract

Working from home (WFH) is meanwhile a technologically feasible solution for regular employment in many sectors and with positive impacts on health, resource consumption and the environment. The paper addresses the Corona crisis as a situation where working people are forced to switch to teleworking. A global secondary perception analysis and a subsequent econometric analysis for Southern Germany at district level confirms teleworkability to be a significant tool for more climate protection if implemented in real life (WFH). Higher infection incidence seems to indicate lower levels of teleworkability or less acceptance or less responsiveness during the pandemic. Teleworkability translated into true WFH might also strengthen regional resilience against contagion. It is thus a potential instrument of safer public infrastructure.

Keywords: Climate change, Teleworkability, COVID-19

JEL Classification: I10, J60, Q54, R15