The story we tell ourselves: Climate Framework Part I
To effectively decarbonize within a generation, first and foremost, we need to change the current narrative.
This is my attempt at a decarbonization framework, in three parts: the what, how and why. This is the Why.
What do I mean by this?
Our current narrative is fear-mongering: we need to stop global warming because otherwise we would lose the things we currently have (coffee, bananas, cities, etc.). Thus, we need to make sacrifices. We need to sacrifice our meat, our flights, money and power. This narrative created attention, but it would not be appealing. The attention created paralysis, not action. We need people to be excited about working on climate change, not scared of it. We need to be driven by hope, not fear.
Luckily, there is a transitioning narrative. This one focuses a lot on economics. Most notably, we can look at Joe Biden’s current presidential campaign: “When I see green energy, I see one word: jobs”. This is a new narrative under way: solving climate change will create jobs and create an economy with trillions of dollars. That’s true, ambitious and exciting. Obviously, it will not be enough. Money has never been the end goal.
The next good narrative is social: solving climate change will enable justice and equality for humans around the world. The word responsibility gets thrown around a lot here — developed countries are responsible for these problems, and they need to take steps to fix them. So does the word intersectionality — climate action needs to prioritize people of color, indigenous people, women and other oppressed groups. What does this mean?
The ultimate narrative that we need to get to in order to solve this issue is an aspirational one: solving climate change is necessary to achieve our potential as a species. Removing our dependency on a non-renewable and depleting energy source (fossil fuels) to renewable ones (like solar and wind) will be necessary if we are to continue and increase our energy consumption for future generations. Developing a circular economy enables resources to be created and re-created continually and prevent depletion. Preserving animals and plants allow for future generations to create art and enjoy life. The best message for climate change is exhilarating: we see a future not of destruction, but of prosperity. Climate action just happens to be the way to get there.
Think back to the Moon project. When J.F.Kennedy announced we would put humans to the moon, artists around the world drew paintings of the future where humans were on the moon, and the technological advancement that comes with it. We haven’t achieved this level with climate change. For a project this big, we need to inspire people to take action, not scare them from actions themselves. Thus, whatever sphere of problems we want to solve, and however we want to solve them, the central vision should be a big, audacious goal that inspires. The future will be bright. The road there will be difficult, but the future will be bright.
This is the last article in a 3-part series where I attempt to articulate my thoughts on the climate crisis, and how we can solve it.
Read How to choose a cause: Climate Framework Part II here.
Read What Needs to be done: Climate Framework Part III here.
