CLIMATE CHANGE & CAPITALISMLeft Forum Pace University 2012

Introduction

Harpers IndexClimate Change is not a HoaxClimate change is a symptomDissonanceCarbon Emissions 2011HansenLovelockBookchin

Science vs. Social Structure

Science is hugely important in understanding the physical reaction once an element is produced.

It does not and cannot tell us why we produce it, whether it should be produced and in what quantities.

The social structure is what determines all the above.

Major Hypothesis

I Climate Change is the direct result of a social structure and therefore such an analysis is crucial for a clear understanding of the phenomenon.

II Capitalism, the dominant structure in the world cannot deal with a meaningful solution to the Climate Change problem.

III A climate change catastrophe is inevitable

Rationale for above:

(I) Karl Marx had it right. At some point capital

will self destruct because by we will eventually have excess capacity and a lack of Agg DD (N. Roubini)

Capitalism is driven solely by capital accumulation globally.

Metabolism: Greater production, more economic activity; more carbon emissions

Rationale (contd)

(II)

Current political make up of the world precludes a solution based on the common good.

Santorum Perry Pelosi Obama

Rationale (contd)

(III) Connection between Capitalism and

Environment Only UK &Germany met the Kyoto targets. Environmental problems go beyond the Env.

(Stockholm Planetary Boundaries) Conflict between environment and capitalism (IV) Scientific facts: 4 F is assured at 1 Trillion tons

by 2050 We will be at 750 billion by 2028 IPCC developed need to reduce 85%-90% by

2050 LOL

Conclusion

Climate Change inevitable and irreversible (sea level, flooding, ocean currents…) Main Stream: Nuclear and Geo-engineering Sorcerers Apprentice (John Bellamy Foster) Social Change: SSE/ less accumulation less consumption, less wars (both Imperial

and non imperial) , less toys , less fashion, less financial speculation

Quotes

Joihn Bellamy Foster: Emissions have begun as significant, have become alarming and are unsustainable”

To conservatives climate change is a Trojan Horse to abolish capitalism. (Naomi?)

Climate Change is not a product of human activity but rather a product of capitalist paradigm.

“The growing blanket of Carbon Dioxide …will lead to increased temperature, more destructive pollution, melting of ice caps, rising sea level…” Bookchin 1964

To stabilize even if fossil fuels are depleted is not in the cards.

Climate Change calls for more gov’t . Fighting climate change is a synonym for for

freedom

Quotes

Blair ( Tragedy of the commons) “No country will want to sacrifice its

economy in order to meet the challenge”