Climate Change isn't Everything: Liberating Climate Politics from Alarmism

The rise of climatism, which frames complex political and ethical challenges in terms of climate change, is a serious danger to human and non-human life. Mike Hulme's analysis reveals how climatism has become pervasive and embedded in public life, reducing the world to the fate of global temperature or the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide. We must not live as though climate alone determines our present and our future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

The changing climate poses serious dangers to human and non-human life alike, though perhaps the most urgent danger is one we hear very little about: the rise of climatism. Too many social, political, and ecological problems facing the world today – from the Russian invasion of Ukraine to the management of wildfires – quickly become climatized, explained with reference to 'a change in the climate. When complex political and ethical challenges are so narrowly framed, arresting climate change is sold as the supreme political challenge of our time and everything else becomes subservient to this one goal.

In this far-sighted analysis, Mike Hulme reveals how climatism has taken hold in recent years, becoming so pervasive and embedded in public life that it is increasingly hard to resist it without being written off as a climate denier. He confronts this dangerously myopic view that reduces the condition of the world to the fate of global temperature or the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide to the detriment of tackling serious issues as varied as poverty, liberty, biodiversity loss, inequality, and international diplomacy. We must not live as though climate alone determines our present and our future.

The rise of climatism is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach. It is not enough to focus solely on reducing greenhouse gas emissions or adapting to the impacts of climate change; we must also address the underlying social, economic, and political factors that contribute to its development. This includes addressing issues such as inequality, poverty, and power dynamics, as well as promoting sustainable development practices and policies.

One of the most significant challenges facing the world in the fight against climatism is the need for global cooperation and collaboration. Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution, and it is essential that all countries work together to address it. This includes developing and implementing international agreements and policies that promote climate action, as well as providing financial and technical support to developing countries to help them adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Another challenge facing the world in the fight against climatism is the need for individual and collective action. While governments and international organizations play a critical role, it is individuals and communities that must take action to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices. This includes simple steps such as reducing energy consumption, using public transportation, and eating a plant-based diet, as well as more ambitious actions such as investing in renewable energy and reducing waste.

In addition to these challenges, the rise of climatism also presents opportunities for innovation and growth. The development of new technologies and sustainable practices can help to mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote sustainable development. This includes the development of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, the development of sustainable agriculture practices, and the development of new materials and technologies that are more sustainable and less harmful to the environment.

In conclusion, the rise of climatism poses serious dangers to human and non-human life alike, and it is essential that we take action to address it. This requires a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach that addresses the underlying social, economic, and political factors that contribute to its development, as well as promoting global cooperation and collaboration. It also requires individual and collective action to reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices. By taking these steps, we can help to mitigate the impacts of climate change and create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Weight: 286g
Dimension: 138 x 215 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509556168