Climate Change and Privilege

Climate change is a mounting problem that most of us push to the back of our minds, for it to catch our attention again when the next news segment on environmental damage rolls in. We imagine it as some distant, far away thing that only exists in the peripheral of our lives. We think of it as deforestation somewhere in the Amazon or some plastic floating around way out there in the ocean. Surely it can’t be that bad, we’re inclined to say, enjoying the warmer summers the rise in temperature brings. We dismiss it as being  “not that bad” because we haven’t experienced many changes ourselves.

The reality is - being unaffected by climate change is a sign of our privilege. As of now, humanity has surpassed four out of the nine planetary boundaries that make our planet hospitable and the earth’s ecosystems are under threat. If we continue business as usual, by 2050 we can expect between 150 and 200 million people to become “climate refugees”  due to rising sea levels, desertification and extreme weather conditions. Climate change will have a knock-on effect of exacerbating the refugee crisis, disrupting the lives of families and putting further pressure on resources. 

If you are fortunate enough to say that you haven’t directly witnessed any effects of climate change it’s because you are protected by the relative wealth of the country you live in, political stability and even your class status. We can’t change the fact that others were not born with the same privileges, we do, however,  have the responsibility and power to help solve the problems which climate change poses.

The Historical Responsibility of Climate Change

Since the industrial revolution, humans have released 1.5 trillion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the earth’s atmosphere. If we want to stop climate change and prevent problems such as drought and desertification that are caused by extreme weather changes we have to get our emissions down to zero.

Developed countries are quick to shift the blame of rising emissions onto developing countries - the US withdrew from the Paris Agreement in June 2017, with President Trump claiming that they were being unfairly sanctioned while countries such as China and India “are allowed to do whatever they want for 13 years”. 

It’s true that China is currently the highest emitter of carbon dioxide, it was responsible for 27% of global emissions in 2018. The US came in second at 15%, followed by the EU responsible for 9% of total emissions. Looking only at current emission rates doesn’t paint the full picture, however. Although China currently has the highest emission rates it’s only responsible for 13% of all emissions over time. The United States is responsible for a quarter of all global emissions over time and the EU is responsible for 22% of all emissions. The changes we are experiencing right now are due to the emissions that have accumulated over time, which are largely due to the industrialization of the west.

The source of emissions is also worth considering. While emissions in developed countries can mostly be attributed to lifestyle choices, the emissions in developing nations arise from trying to better the life quality of people by improving facilities, infrastructure and furthering economic development. Carbon emissions are damaging to the environment, regardless of the source, but currently wealthier nations are better adapted to solving this problem as they aren’t simultaneously dealing with high levels of poverty or political and economic instability.

The development and wealth of western countries were helped by the quick industrialization with no limitations on how much we harmed the environment in the process. We have the responsibility to minimize our negative impact on the environment by investing in greener solutions.

What we can do:

As residents in powerful nations, we can correct our collective historical responsibility for climate change. There are a number of things that we can do:

• Vote

Do your research before going to the voting polls. Ask your politicians about their specific plans for dealing with climate change. Vote for those that can provide you with actual, measurable goals and strategies. A vague statement about investing in renewable energy is not a measurable strategy. Saying that your climate action plan involves taxing businesses 5% of company profits for not complying to emission targets is. Be savvy about who you vote for, there is a lot of greenwashing that goes into the campaigns of politicians. If a candidate has never been involved in or supported climate causes, it’s doubtful that they will change their stance on the environment after being elected. 

Collectively we can move towards greener governments and work to protect our environment by electing leaders that are dedicated to making a difference. Be aware of your political climate and remember to take the time to vote in elections. Our voices are powerful tools, let’s remember to use them. 

• Minimise our personal carbon footprint

 It’s easy to feel helpless and insignificant when faced with large challenges such as climate change. But little daily actions, when carried out by many can have a huge impact. What changes can you make in your life? It can be anything from saving more water, choosing to bike or walk instead of driving, trying out Meatless Mondays or reducing your plastic consumption. Zero Waste and Minimalist movements also offer us ways to minimize our consumption and help the planet.

No matter how small, our actions are important and we can always make a difference changing one thing at a time.

Climate Change and the Economy

I know, I know. These two are probably people’s least favourite topics, but it’s important to understand how our economic systems both contribute to and protect us from climate change. And while your Minister of Finance can’t turn around and command the sea levels to stay put or offer bees a great democratic deal to stop them from going extinct, a stable economic climate plays a big role in minimizing the threat of global warming. 

Developed countries became rich partly by colonising other countries, benefiting from slavery, coming out as victorious powers in world war two and developing industries rapidly with little regard to the environment. Raw materials were taken from colonised countries and sold for much higher prices in places such as Great Britain and the US. And although these historical factors have changed, it’s effects can still be seen today. 

You’ll often hear politicians and economists talking about constantly growing our GDP. GDP measures the value of goods and services in a country over a period of time. Economic and GDP growth is always portrayed as a cure for all of society’s problems - public debt, class struggle and poverty. It doesn’t tell the full story, however. Constant and unbridled “growth” has caused a huge depletion in resources and puts pressure on the planet. In nature nothing grows forever, trees only sprout to a certain height before they die and flowers wilt at the end of summer. Humans reach an age at which we stop getting taller. Growth isn’t sustainable over long periods of time.

The wealth generated by this exponential growth also temporarily shields us from the worst effects of climate change. The economic growth of western countries has turned them into powerful nations. They have the infrastructure and money to offer quick fixes to climate change problems. Whereas the US has the resources to solve a drought by implementing irrigation systems, a drought in less well off nations results in worker migration and in severe cases famine and death. Developed countries are also better equipped to deal with natural disasters that are exacerbated by climate change. Things like earthquakes are much deadlier in places with poor infrastructure- while places like Japan and California have modernised their building codes and reduced the risk of death dramatically, other vulnerable nations have been unable to do so due to lack of funding.

Continuing to push for unsustainable growth is both damaging to our climate and further deepens social inequality.  Author and economist Kate Raworth presents us with a different model. In the book “The Doughnut Economics”  she talks about creating a circular economy and ensuring that no one on the planet falls short of essential resources while collectively protecting the Earth's life-supporting systems. Through collaboration, humanity can overcome the climate crisis, social inequality and still ensure that everyone leads a comfortable life. 

What we can do:

• Become mindful consumers

We have been sold the idea that the more things we have, the happier we become. This is deliberately done to encourage consumerism, which, when in excess puts huge pressure on our natural resources. By becoming mindful consumers and only buying things that we need we reduce the demand for the constant supply of goods. 

Focusing on reusing and recycling things, helps create a circular economy and reduces pollution. Instead of resources being wasted they can be allocated to those that need them, helping the planet in the process. So before buying that new top for a night out ask yourself do you really need it, or is there an item that you already have in your wardrobe that is equally as lovely and you can wear instead? Even better, call up your girlfriend and do a clothes swap, there are always pieces we cuvet within our friends' closets, so you may be able to breathe new life into that timeless piece that they no longer have use for. Small changes to our shopping habits are great for the planet and kind to our wallet too. 

• Support ethical businesses

There are some wonderful companies doing amazing work to reduce their negative impact and help the planet. It’s important to shop ethically if we are fortunate enough to have the funds to do so. Look out for cruelty and waste-free cosmetic businesses, ethical and nurturing travel companies, clothing shops that don’t engage in unsustainable manufacturing practices and local restaurants that are involved in food waste reduction efforts. 

By supporting businesses that focus on sustainability we push other companies to shift into greener practices to meet consumer demand. Just look at how veganism and vegetarianism have changed the food industry, sales for plant-based alternatives rose by 17% in 2018. The choices we make as consumers are important and the businesses we choose to support affect the environment and the lives of others. By being more selective about where we shop we can make a difference.

• Donate

Nearly half of the world’s population, 3 billion people live on less than $2.50 a day. Climate change will only increase social inequality and those that are the most vulnerable will suffer the worst of the damage that environmental destruction brings. 

Supporting NGO’s and initiatives that are working to tackle climate change and poverty is incredibly important. You can do so by donating your time or finances to worthwhile causes. Look for initiatives that collaborated with local communities. Local leaders and people know the best solutions to the problems they’re facing, with enough funding they are the ones best equipped to tackle those issues. Support indigenous communities that are fighting to protect biodiversity, comprising of less than 5% of the world’s population they protect 80% of global biodiversity. 

You don’t have to venture far from home to participate in sustainability efforts- supporting local environmental projects has the knock-on effect of supporting overall planetary health as everything is so interconnected. 

The Bigger Picture

Ultimately climate change is a global issue. Although the US and Europe are accountable for 51% of all carbon dioxide emissions that are contributing to climate change they are not the ones worst affected by the problems they are largely responsible for. African and South American regions, sharing only 6% of all emissions, are already dealing with the reality of climate change. But if we continue business as usual the issue will continue to spread. Climate change boosted the Australian bushfire risk by 30%, the 2020 bushfire season resulting in devastating losses, killing 1.25 billion animals and burning 1 billion trees. If sea levels continue to rise 37% of lower Manhattan will be underwater by 2050. Without intervention to solve global warming,  temperatures could rise to 48 degrees Celcius in London by late 2070. That’s hot enough to cook an egg on the sidewalk. 

So what can be done on a larger scale? We can start with corporations - just 100 companies and investors are responsible for 71% of global emissions. While individuals do have a role to play in mitigating climate change, governments should focus on holding corporations accountable for their emissions and damage to the environment. Imposing stricter laws and carbon targets and taxes (from which the money can be invested in sustainable projects) are some of the methods of reducing the impact.

Investing in renewable energy is also going to be important for our future. At the present rate, oil reserves will run out in 50 years. Renewable energy, unlike fossil fuels, will never run out and doesn’t release greenhouse gases into the environment. Transitioning to renewables could reduce global emissions by 70% by 2050.  Some places are already leading the way in renewable energy. Costa Rica ran entirely on renewable energy for two months straight, the national energy supply in Uruguay is 95% renewables powered and Germany meets up to 78% of the country’s energy supply through renewable energy. The cost of renewable energy is also falling, making it more competitive than the fossil fuel industry. 

The solution to climate change is multifaceted. It requires collaboration between nations, governments, corporations and individuals. With less than twelve years to stop the irreversible effects of climate change the future of our planet depends on us banding together to solve this problem. 

What you can do:

• Invest in Green Energy

Investing in more sustainable energy supplies in your home can lower your carbon footprint and even save you some money. Installing residential solar panels on your roof can lower emissions by 80%. From the financial point of view, solar panels can save you up to $30,000 over the lifetime of your solar panel system. It’s definitely a project worth considering if you have the roof space and resources to undertake it.

Choosing a greener energy supplier is also a great step. Research local energy companies and see if they offer wind or wave powered alternatives to fuel your home. Supporting green energy suppliers makes renewables more competitive and attractive, encouraging more people to swap out fossil fuels. It allows the green energy industry to grow, which is beneficial to the environment as sustainable energy options do not emit the dreaded carbon dioxide emissions that fossil fuels do.

• Hold Companies Accountable

The rapid industrialisation of the West was a key factor in accelerating climate change. There seems to be no stopping this expansion, companies continue to grow at the cost of the environment. More than 700 companies world wide are hiding their carbon emission numbers to avoid sanctions. Fast fashion giants such as Boohoo are being exposed in modern slavery scandals and criticised for unfair practices.

We are lucky to live in countries where we have free speech, and can educate ourselves and others on climate topics. As consumers we have the power and responsibility to call out unethical behaviour in companies when we see it, as it is the most vulnerable that suffer from these exploitative practices. Before buying a cute dress from a fast fashion brand ask yourself if looking pretty on a night out is really worth the exploitation of women in factories earning $0.33 an hour. Call out influencers for supporting brands that engage in environmentally damaging and corrupt practices.  By boycotting unethical companies, speaking out against their business practices and signing petitions to hold them accountable,  you directly influence them to change their ways as they do not want to loose consumers. Beware of greenwashing,however,  it’s easy to rebrand your company without doing the actual work. Make sure to check any published reports to ensure that they are following through with their claims. 

Together we hold incredible bargaining power that can help reshape entire industries. We need to remember to actively use it.