The Challenge Of Climate Change

I was so disappointed to read that sessions of the climate change in Copenhagen were shut down because poorer countries are upset with the lack of progress.

While I do a lot of writing on sexual and racial issues, I consider climate change to be the greatest issue facing us as a species. But while others have a grim outlook of the future, I see it a great opportunity for humans to prove our humanity.

The politics of climate change cover issues that speak to the core of our relationships with each other.

(a) Greed – For rich and poor countries alike, resistance to a binding environmental agreement is based on a desire to protect financial interests.

The United States has long had a policy of rejecting any policy that would curtail economic growth. Rising powers like China and India see the future as their time to shine and do not want to jeopardize their positions as the next superpowers.

As of today, America and China are playing off each other to prevent substantive change from happening in Copenhagen. China won’t accept verification of its emissions, and America won’t support any agreement that doesn’t monitor China.

(b) Assigning Blame and Avoiding Reponsibility – This is somewhat related to the greed factor. Some poor nations see climate change as a vehicle for getting “payback” against the West for centuries of exploitation.

At the same time, rich countries are not being honest about their contribution to climate change, and subsequent responsibility to lead the way in addressing the issue. The rich are currently trying to impose standards on poor countries that they will not agree to themselves, a process that ensures no actions will be taken.

(c) Respect For The Future – Humans have historically made decisions based on a desire to improve living conditions for future generations.

Yet, despite indications that climate change is happening faster than anticipated and our unpreparedness for its effects, we seem unwilling to truly “think about the children” and make the necessary changes.

For these reasons, I consider the challenge of climate change as a spiritual test, and our future may depend on our response.