Most of the "cost" (at least in the West) can be attributed to people dragging their feet on adapting to remote set-ups and the efficiencies they bring. Businessmen didn't want to do business remotely, teachers didn't want to teach remotely, event planners didn't want to do virtual events; so, they sabotaged the shift. Too bad for the collateral damage of anyone who was underserved during this period, and the environment, and everyone who benefited from their newfound accessibility.