How Capitalism is Contributing to Climate Change
Climate change is an ongoing issue that has shown to be detrimental to our environment, and to the human race. Whether it be rising sea levels or temperature increases, there is more than enough evidence that verifies its existence. Multiple factors are at fault for this crisis, with one of them being capitalism. Through statistics and reports, we can see just how capitalism has contributed to the crisis. According to the Carbon Majors Report in 2017, just 100 companies were responsible for 71% of global industrial greenhouse gas emissions since 1988.
The Human Development Index determines the development of a country, factoring in the wealth (gross national income per capita), the health (life expectancy) and education (expected years of schooling). The Ecological Footprint shows the demand a country has on the natural environment. When they are both compared, it is clearly shown how the more developed a country is, the higher its ecological footprint. The economy is an important factor to the HDI of a country, as money is required to develop. Unfortunately, this shows how larger economies often contribute to higher ecological footprints.
We can also see how corporations have depleted our natural resources in order to operate and make profits. But this depletion is also caused by our excessive demand on products. For example, millions of tonnes of plastics are manufactured every year, which are used for multiple purposes. However, this material is made out of oil, a non-renewable resource that we are actively running out of. The human demand for plastic contributes to this decrease in supply, as there is a limited amount of oil available that will never be replenished in our lifetime.
When our society becomes so focused on money and profits, we tend to forget how the environment is potentially impacted. So how do we change our mindset? It is important that you consider what is it you are consuming, and how it can impact our earth. Consider the resources needed to make it and do your research on its sustainability. Other things that must be kept in mind when consuming is the carbon footprint of obtaining resources to manufacture the products you buy.
Although being mindful of the products that we buy is crucial to be a more environmentally conscious buyer, remaining aware of the quantity of the products we buy is equally necessary. Our demand for goods is what has led to the issues that corporations have caused into the environment. If we purchase what is not needed, we end up heightening that demand. So the next time you are about to impulsively buy an item, remember to think: Do I need this? What use will I get out of this? Do I already have this, or something similar to this? Are there better alternatives?
As much as it may seem like one person is unable to change the world, the truth is that one person can grow into two, ten, hundreds, millions. If no one is willing to try to be smarter consumers, what difference will actually be made? Taking baby steps to a cleaner, healthier world is all that we as individuals can do. It may not seem like much, but in the long run, it can make all the difference.
Sources:
https://www.footprintnetwork.org/our-work/sustainable-development/
https://earth.org/change-capitalism-for-climate-action/
https://hdr.undp.org/en/content/human-development-index-hdi
https://theconversation.com/the-world-of-plastics-in-numbers-100291
