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The wildfires currently devastating Quebec, Canada’s south-eastern province, are unlike anything seen before. A warm and dry spring created ideal conditions for the tinder to accumulate, and when lightning storms hit in early June, the fires intensified dramatically, making the fire season of 2023 particularly severe. As the smoke billowed southward, it created an apocalyptic atmosphere over the north-eastern United States. More than 100 million people in the region have received air quality alerts, with New York City ranking at the top of the global list of cities with the most polluted air.
Back in 2019, Canadian scientists warned about the role of climate change in driving wildfires. While climate change may not directly cause fires, it significantly increases the likelihood of their occurrence, and worldwide, wildfires are projected to increase by 50% by the end of the century. One might hope that as the wealthy, high-emitting countries experience the immediate and severe effects of climate change, they would be motivated to take decisive action to combat the climate crisis, which threatens the lives of millions and the livelihoods of billions. However, as I argued in a recent publication, this hope may be misplaced. As the consequences of global warming become more palpable, there is a risk of electing leaders who are committed to exacerbating the problem. This overlap between the broader impacts of climate change and the factors driving the rise of nationalist, authoritarian, and populist leaders in Europe, the United States, Brazil, and other parts of the world, particularly in recent years, is concerning.
Climate change is expected to bring about a range of consequences, such as more frequent and severe storms, droughts, floods, heatwaves, and crop failures, as well as the spread of tropical diseases. However, it will also give rise to less obvious issues related to inequality, migration, and conflict. Together, these factors could create a world characterized by deepening inequality and instability, rapid changes, and perceived threats – an environment that tends to favor authoritarian leaders. Climate change poses a threat to widening inequalities within and between countries, as evidence suggests that poorer individuals are more exposed to its effects and consequently more vulnerable. Poorer countries and poorer individuals in wealthier countries find themselves trapped in areas most susceptible to extreme weather events, perpetuating a cycle of economic stagnation and hindering recovery. In contrast, wealthier individuals have the means to protect their homes, hire private firefighters, cool their homes without worrying about expenses, or simply relocate.
Migration is also expected to increase due to climate change. Although estimates regarding the number of people who will migrate as a result of climate change are uncertain due to various social and political factors, there will likely be a significant influx of people from economically disadvantaged countries to wealthier nations. By the middle of the century, regions like South Asia may experience heatwaves that are deadly to humans, leaving migration as the only viable escape option.
Lastly, climate change is anticipated to heighten the risk of conflict and violence. Basic resources such as water could become causes of wars, and even on a smaller scale, there may be an increase in violence and crime. Research has indicated that even the tone of social media posts becomes more hostile during periods of heightened heat.
Right-wing politicians have skillfully exploited the issues exacerbated by climate change: immigration, economic inequality, and global insecurity. They make promises to revitalize falling living standards for a specific segment of the population, alleviate pressure on underfunded public services, and protect the nation from external threats, all of which often involve closing borders and scapegoating migrants. These leaders tend to be anti-environmentalist, as seen in the cases of Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Jair Bolsonaro. They prioritize traditional industries like coal mining, prioritize national interests over global challenges, and openly express skepticism or denial of human-induced climate change. The lack of a global conscience and willingness to cooperate inherent in this political ideology makes it nearly impossible to ensure a safe climate.
This portrayal may seem grim, but it serves as a warning rather than a forecast. There are reasons to remain optimistic. First, there is evidence suggesting that experiencing extreme weather events increases support for climate action. So, the effects of climate change may not necessarily deter individuals from pursuing the appropriate political responses. Furthermore, climate change does not directly cause migration, conflict, or violence. Instead, it amplifies the likelihood of such events through interactions with pre-existing social and political factors like government repression, high unemployment rates, or religious tensions. This is both good and bad news. The bad news is that poverty and inequality are more significant drivers of conflict and migration than climate change, but climate change can exacerbate these issues. The good news is that these complex interactions between environmental conditions and our political and social realities highlight that we have a considerable say in shaping our future. In the Anthropocene, humans have become agents of planetary change, which means we hold the power to determine the fate of our environment. Nevertheless, understanding how climate change indirectly influences politics is essential for developing a political framework that effectively addresses the challenges we face.
Provided by The Conversation
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Citation: Why the impacts of climate change may make us less likely to reduce emissions (2023, June 30) retrieved 1 July 2023 from https://phys.org/news/2023-06-impacts-climate-emissions.html
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
