The first chapter of Eaarth by Bill McKibben is centered on his purpose for naming his book Eaarth. While it is mostly accepted that the science behind global warming is legitimate, the main argument against immediate action is that there are more pressing issues at hand and that global warming is something to prepare for in the future. McKibben repeatedly brings up the idea of it being the grandchildren's problem, and not the present problem. The scary idea that as of now, even making changes would not undo the damage done to the earth. We are living on a new planet.
“Business as usual” is the concept of people continuing to do what they want without making changes to their carbon footprint. This is what McKibben argues is the cause of this sudden jump in estimated predictions over the global warming threat. On the IPCC website , they show their baseline scenario concepts for the what if scenario surrounding a change in emissions. we’re still fairly high up on that chart, which inspires dread in all who look at it.
McKibben points out multiple instances where this is already becoming a reality, such as third world countries having to struggle even more to reach vital resources such as water. Women in Bangladesh for instance are forced to spend even more of their time to devote to looking for water. Page 28 of a georgetown article titled “Women and Climate Change”, tells stories of increased chances of abduction and rape that awaits these women and children as they venture out to find more resources. This would further increase in areas with conflict such as the Democratic Republic of the Kongo. This is just one of the many things that can cause further suffering across if climate change is not addressed, and may be a horrific future for all countries if a scarcity of resources leads to worldwide conflict
McKibben does intend to give out solutions to help protect the core of our society and civilization, the only question is, will people be willing to sacrifice what is necessary to do that? The business as usual idea is what got us to this point, and it needs to be abandoned.
Sacrifice is a great topic when it comes to human response to climate change. We all have to make big life changes whether it be something small like recycling, or large like the use of a car/transportation methods. I think if every human made changes to their lifestyles we might be able to make changes, though small.
ReplyDeleteI definitely do not mind making minor contributions and sacrifices toward slowing climate change, and if everyone made that decision, a huge difference could be made. Although, I've never understood how we could have this much of an effect in just a few decades when we pale in comparison to Earth's massive size. It's probably been undergoing cycles for millions of years, probably billions.
ReplyDeleteI agree that even if major changes are made, many of the effects of climate change are now irreversible. I think it is rather too optimistic to think that everyone will spontaneously decide to devote themselves to solving this problem. As you said, the likelihood of immediate action is even less due to our preoccupation with other issues.
ReplyDeleteI feel as though the "business as usual" concept really fits with our society today. We like things the way they are currently and we want to just continue with what we are used to doing. Change is scary and difficult and we've grown lazy. We're all too comfortable with how things have become and want them to stay the same. The thing is that with climate change, change is inevitable. As Mckibben points out, the Earth has already changed, and will continue to change. As a society we need to not only alter our ways to counter this change and we need to be able to adapt to the changing Earth, I'm just not sure that we are ready to do this.
ReplyDeleteI was actually researching a bit after reading this chapter into presidential candidates' beliefs on climate change. Bernie Sanders is my preferred candidate, and he actually makes a claim that speaks a bit into the Georgetown article you cite. Bernie says that terrorism and climate change have a direct relationship. While the relationship is probably not as immediate as his claims make it sound, it does make sense that under changing climate conditions, tension levels are higher as resources deplete. This ultimately raises the likelihood of resource wars. So not only does our changing climate have effects on the natural world, but its social implications are massive as well, on small-scale bases as well as larger, global platforms.
ReplyDeleteI think the problem most people have with trying to make changes is that they just get discouraged easily, and looking at the graph in your blog I kind of feel the same way. If the best case scenario still shows the GHG emissions increasing, I find myself asking what is the point in making changes? It is kind of like someone finding out they have a terminal illness and that the only treatment available will make them sick and only prolong the inevitable, so instead of getting treatment they decide to do as much as they can with the time they have left.
ReplyDeleteI will admit, I find it challenging to imagine a place where our givens are their luxuries. It is rather humbling. It is even worse to realize we are causing the problem. But the question is, are we willing to give up our "needs" for the benefit of the world? Sadly, we know nothing other than "business as usual".
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