TH!NK post

This article is archived. Comments are closed.

Google search of the day: Why climate change is not just an environmental issue.

Published 23rd November 2009 - 5 comments - 1061 views -

Much has been debated about concerning climate change. There are arguments from all sides and date aplenty. There's been allegations. And counter allegations. Nobody is quite sure who to trust. So here's a google search of the day which will take you to some very interesting links. Have a read and open your mind. Here's what I think:

1.The current model of economic development has served us well in the past. But it isn't what we should be clinging on to walk into a future where we can survive. We need a more sustainable model of development. Lesser dependence on fossil fuels. A move towards alternate sources of energy. There are big business based on old models who are opposing this. They need to evolve. Our climate is not their business.

2.Climate change is not the same as 'global warming'. Climate change is a change in climatic patterns. While the debate an go on about temperatures, the reality is that a lot of countries are facing a lot of problems. Droughts, delayed monsoons, floods, rising sea levels, all these are a reality in many parts of the globe. The challenges this throws up severe. It means people are being and will be displaced. Where would they go? It means agriculture will undergo a massive change. How do we prepare for that? How do we fight big businesses who want to make money in the name of climate change? How do we stop Bill Gates and Monstano and other GMO companies from claiming monopoly over food?

3. Any model of development that is based on unsustainable explotation of natural resources is flawed. Our resources are limited and development has to look at the future generations. What kind of a world will we leave for them? India and China say that they can't control emissions as it would hinder their economic growth. But why follow the old model of growth? Why not devise news ways? More sustainable ways? Why follow the mistakes of the developed nations? Why not sit down together and devise a new solution? Here's a brilliant article which sums it up for me. A really important read, if I may insist.

And about emissions and poverty and development, here is what I think is India's problem. (Click on the image to enlarge and read.). Or click here.

Category: Climate Politics, | Tags: climate change, cop15, developing nations, india, china,



Comments

Aija Vanaga on 23rd November 2009:

1. Is utopia .. You can’t change economical system world functions..
2. By decreasing demand

Jack Johnson on 23rd November 2009:

@Ajia
What does your comment mean? You dismiss it as utopia? What? That we can come up with a better economic system? I believe we humans are much cleverer that you think. A lot of companies like google are thinking in that direction already. So, there is your ‘utopia’ dismissal taken care of.
Your second point doesn’t merit an answer, because it means nothing.
Try the google search Hemant mentions, it will perhaps teach you something.
And don’t just comment for the heck of doing it.

Aija Vanaga on 23rd November 2009:

@ Jack
Please my name is Aija

I do care about world, but I think that changing world economical system it functions is utopia (at least in some way short terms)

And 2nd point says that we can influence food monopoly from big companies, if we decrease demand for it and increase demand for local and organic production.

And it is not a heck! It is opinion!

Daniel Nylin Nilsson on 23rd November 2009:

Insightful post, Henant.

I live a very comfortable life, that is true… but when you look at the poverty, social and environmental problems that persist in spite of hundreds of years of development, I wonder how good this development has actually been.

The developing world has a great chance to find other solutions, without being hampered by yesterday’s technology, so let’s hope for a development without co2.

I think it is also a misunderstanding to think that China and India should do whatever Europe did before to eradicate poverty. That would presume that Europe 100 years ago was like China and India are today, which is obviously wrong.

@Aija and Jack… I think you misunderstand each other a bit… For sure it is utopian today, but today’s utopia is also tomorrow’s reality. And decreasing demand for Monsanto’s products sounds like an excellent way forward, at least here in Europe.

Paul Montariol on 01st December 2009:

Our world experienced a development without precedent in the history.
Our system succeeded too well.
It is confronted with its limits and it did not want to think of it!
It should not be forgotten that the Indian population passed from 400 million to 1 billion in very little time.
It is the miracle of a very effective agriculture.
There are much more rich person today!

This article is archived. Comments are closed.