Hi all,
As you may know, the latest global climate negotiations at COP 26 in Glasgow have drawn to a close. Though some progress was made, concerns remain about the enormous gap between ambition and action on the part of leaders in the global North.
There is a fascinating article written in The Conversation recently by Sebastien Chastin, Professor of Health Behaviour at Glasgow Caledonian University. He argues that leaders in the global North should more strongly emphasize the benefits of climate action, like cleaner air, more green jobs, and better working conditions.
Chastin states,
"The necessary climate actions over the next decade are often presented as unpalatable disruptions to our way of life and a burden on society. But these actions actually represent tremendous opportunities to improve the health, security and economic prospects of people all over the globe. Can these leaders in the global north afford to ignore the fact that countries north and south have everything to gain from ambitious and swift action?"
Changing the narrative to one that is more optimistic (while still being realistic, of course) could help improve public support while counterbalancing the lobbying power of the fossil fuel industry. Chastin gives an encouraging example of the gains made by the C40 cities initiative, which is a coalition of mayors from major cities around the world who are taking bold action against climate change.
To learn more, you can read the full article here.
As you may know, the latest global climate negotiations at COP 26 in Glasgow have drawn to a close. Though some progress was made, concerns remain about the enormous gap between ambition and action on the part of leaders in the global North.
There is a fascinating article written in The Conversation recently by Sebastien Chastin, Professor of Health Behaviour at Glasgow Caledonian University. He argues that leaders in the global North should more strongly emphasize the benefits of climate action, like cleaner air, more green jobs, and better working conditions.
Chastin states,
"The necessary climate actions over the next decade are often presented as unpalatable disruptions to our way of life and a burden on society. But these actions actually represent tremendous opportunities to improve the health, security and economic prospects of people all over the globe. Can these leaders in the global north afford to ignore the fact that countries north and south have everything to gain from ambitious and swift action?"
Changing the narrative to one that is more optimistic (while still being realistic, of course) could help improve public support while counterbalancing the lobbying power of the fossil fuel industry. Chastin gives an encouraging example of the gains made by the C40 cities initiative, which is a coalition of mayors from major cities around the world who are taking bold action against climate change.
To learn more, you can read the full article here.
