The Climate Coup

Governments' inaction on climate change is often attributed to a lack of political will or denial of the seriousness of the situation. However, Mark Alizart argues that cynicism and evil can also motivate reluctance, as some people benefit from environmental disaster. To address this, we must focus on financial and political actors who speculate on catastrophe and rethink ecological activism as a war to win.

Format: Hardback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 25 June 2021
Publisher: Polity Press

Inaction by governments in the face of climate change is often attributed to a lack of political will or a denial of the seriousness of the situation. However, as Mark Alizart argues in his provocative book, we should not exclude the possibility that part of the reluctance might be motivated by cynicism and even sheer evil. For some people, there are real financial and political benefits to be gained from the chaos that will ensue from environmental disaster. The climate crisis creates its winners – individuals who orchestrate environmental chaos and bet on the collapse of the world as they bet on declining share values.

In the face of this veritable ‘carbofascist coup targeting humanity, modifying our behavior as individuals will not suffice. We must train our critical attention on those financial and political actors who speculate on catastrophe and, in the light of this, we must rethink the strategy of ecological activism. This is a war to win, not a crisis to overcome.

The climate crisis is not just a matter of environmental degradation; it is also a matter of social and economic inequality. The richest and most powerful countries are responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions, while the poorest and most vulnerable countries are the most affected by the consequences of climate change. This is a clear case of environmental injustice, and it is essential that we address it.

One way to address this issue is through the implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems. These mechanisms can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage companies to invest in renewable energy sources. However, it is important to ensure that these mechanisms are fair and do not disproportionately impact the poor.

Another way to address climate change is through the promotion of sustainable development practices, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture. These practices can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create jobs and economic opportunities in developing countries.

However, it is important to recognize that the fight against climate change is not just about reducing greenhouse gas emissions; it is also about addressing the root causes of climate change, such as poverty, inequality, and political instability. These issues are interconnected and must be addressed in a comprehensive and integrated way.

In conclusion, the climate crisis is a complex and urgent issue that requires action from all levels of society. Inaction by governments in the face of climate change is not just a failure of leadership; it is a failure of humanity. We must train our critical attention on those financial and political actors who speculate on catastrophe and rethink the strategy of ecological activism. This is a war to win, not a crisis to overcome.

Weight: 198g
Dimension: 199 x 135 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509546138