Climate Change and Political Theory

Climate change is an ethical failure that is causing floods, fires, droughts, and extreme weather, hurting the most vulnerable. This book argues that engaged political theory is necessary to address these challenges and that questions of responsibility, collective duty, fairness, harm, techno-optimism, the value of nature, and the future of humanity must be addressed.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2022
Publisher: Polity Press

Climate change is a profound ethical failure that is causing devastating consequences worldwide. The relentless floods, fires, droughts, and extreme weather events resulting from climate change are taking a heavy toll on human lives and destroying communities. These avoidable impacts disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society, leaving them in a state of crisis. It is alarming that we have failed to prevent climate change, despite the overwhelming evidence and urgency of the situation.

To address this critical challenge, we must mobilize at all levels of society, politically, socially, and economically. We must ask ourselves why we have failed to prevent climate change and what steps we can take to do better. The responsibility for action lies with all of us, but it is particularly urgent for those in positions of power and influence to take the lead.

In this book, Catriona McKinnon explores the vital contributions made by engaged political theory to the urgent climate challenges that have remained unmet due to a lack of political will. McKinnon argues that these challenges cannot be addressed without addressing fundamental questions of responsibility, collective duty, fairness, harm, techno-optimism, the value of nature, and the future of humanity.

McKinnon's philosophical analysis is interwoven with discussions of the latest climate science, current politics, and policies, as well as emerging technologies. Through this comprehensive approach, she demonstrates that we will not find acceptable routes out of the climate crisis without the guidance of political theory.

Climate Change and Political Theory is a valuable resource for readers of all backgrounds and levels. It provides a lucid distillation of the political theory and ethics of climate change, offering a curated guide to the most relevant concepts and ideas. By engaging with the ideas presented in this book, we can develop a deeper understanding of the challenges we face and work together to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509521661