Restrictions on the use of public space and physical distancing have been key policy measures to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and protect public health. At the time of writing, one half of the world’s population has been asked to stay home and avoid many public places. What will be the long term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on public space once the restrictions have been lifted? The depth and extent of transformation is unclear, especially as it relates to the future design, use and perceptions of public space. This article aims to highlight emerging questions at the interface of COVID-19 and city design. It is possible that the COVID-19 crisis may fundamentally change our relationship with public space. In the ensuing months and years, it will be critical to study and measure these changes in order to inform urban planning and design in a post-COVID world.

A plethora of sustainability-related challenges plague the modern world, among which is residue management. The significant implications of waste management on local populations and the global climate system have propelled research efforts toward residue management. Improved understanding and predictions in biomass residue management can help identify opportunities to advance residue management to address these complex challenges. In recent years, sustainability science has gained momentum and is viewed as the most effective approach to addressing wicked problems. For instance, the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere is a major contributor to climate change. This review examines how a greater knowledge of human–environment interaction and the value of ecological services could facilitate the recycling of agricultural and forestry wastes for their uses in bioenergy production and soil protection. In addition, it highlights the connection between biomass residual management and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, thereby strengthening the circular and ecological economy. Additionally, this review also discusses how interdisciplinary and systems thinking can contribute to the advancement of biomass residue management. This review aims to explore how the principles of sustainability science and systems thinking can help enhance the reutilization of agricultural and forest residues through biomass residue management. It also aims to assess their potential in reducing environmental and social impacts.