The relationship between climate change and the coronavirus pandemic is complex. Much of that relationship is mediated through the economy. It was initially expected that the economic shutdown associated with the virus would at least have the beneficial side effect of reducing carbon emissions. That direct effect on emissions seems to have been transitory. Economic dislocations stemming from the pandemic may also cause indirect but longer-lasting effects on emissions, both positive and negative. Economic stimulus measures offer the opportunity for major investments in low-carbon technologies, which could accelerate the energy transition. Past experience has shown permanent beneficial effects from stimulus spending on green infrastructure as well as energy-related research and development. While the coronavirus crisis could end up advancing climate action, it has mixed lessons for climate governance. Like the response to the climate change, the response to the coronavirus has been loosely coordinated at the international level and often featured bottom-up action by local jurisdictions. As the public health response to the coronavirus shows, policies that require costly behavioral changes are difficult to implement, particularly over longer time periods. Moreover, populist movements and leaders poses a challenge to global (and sometimes even national) cooperation. To be successful, climate governance will have to learn from the successes and failures of the coronavirus responses.