What’s the link between a pandemic, energy, and the global just-in-time supply chain?
According to a report by the Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy (CIDRAP), a scenario is outlined where a pandemic disrupts the supply chain for coal, providing electricity and a critical element to support public health and organizational continuity. The report suggests the next pandemic is likely to impact the global just-in time economy and will seriously compromise the public health response. The unavailability of skilled manpower will be unable to meet the surge of demand and ultimately restrict international and domestic travel/trade agreements. The report suggests demand for critical health and safety products / services is likely to outstrip supply, prompting shortages that could exacerbate civil order and mortality. The research focuses on the critical supply of coal as a major source of energy for generating electricity and outlines steps to be taken to reduce the risk of a pandemic to the generation of electricity and the collateral damage to society.
