This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Thursday 16 February 2023
Doom Loop?
The UK's Institute for Public Policy Research and Chatham House have generated a 'thinktank' report on issues around the climate emergency (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/feb/16/world-risks-descending-into-a-climate-doom-loop-warn-thinktanks). The report has some interesting conclusions. For example, it suggests that, simply attempting to cope with the escalating impacts of climate crisis, might well draw resources and focus away from efforts to slash the 'greenhouse gas' emissions exacerbating the situation. What they presumably mean is, that the efforts directed to dealing with consequences of extreme weather events, could well stop politicians focusing on the root cause of climate change. This would be a bit like rushing around putting out small fires, whilst the major conflagration rages away. The report also suggests that arguing (as does the UN) that it's still possible to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees Centigrade (above Pre-Industrial levels), risks making folk complacent. One point five is hardly alive! The 'thinktank' report also says that policy makers have not raised the issue of 'tipping points' effectively. 'Tipping points' are changes that have gone so far, that they have become difficult/impossible to reverse. This seems a timely report that should be widely circulated in the UK and elsewhere. I suspect, however, that references to 'doom loops' might well increase the incidence of 'ostrich-like behaviour' in some circles.
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