TalkClimateChange

In the absence of a hot headline from Bali to shout about, we’ve been musing the climate change prevention vs cure debate. Should we focus on preventing the disease by eliminating Co2 emissions as fast as possible? Or should we forget about that, enjoy life, and  focus on ways to enhance the pleasure of living in balmy tropical conditions all year round?

Most people (but not all) agree that the climate is changing. Some people (by no means all) agree that the principle cause is the large scale emission of Co2 - the jury still is very much out on this. Less often discussed is the prioritisation of our resources between reducing Co2 emissions, and therefore limiting the effect of global warming.

All doubts aside, it would obviously be prudent to do both, but since world leaders are likely to decide very little this week it’s frankly not realistic to expect we can tackle both issues in parallel.

Top reasons to focus on adaptation

Climate change isn’t happening in 50 years time. It’s happening right now. A report released today indicated that the earths tropical regions are expanding faster than computer models originally predicted. The North West passage will be open to shipping in the Summer and there are ice bergs floating off the coast of New Zealand.

To the extent that our civilisation is reliant on fossil fuels it is unrealistic to even think about finding alternatives on the required scale. Let’s accept that the weather has changed and move on. Free from the restrictions of carbon allowances and green taxes we can continue to build our economy and use the handsome proceeds to modify our infrastructure as and when required. If we are smart about it we can even use climate change as an opportunity to develop new industries, increase crop yields and enjoy the warm weather.

Top reasons to focus on prevention

Despite the calm assurances of some, adaptation will be very expensive. And those that will need to adapt the most may well be the ones who can afford it the least. Adapting to climate change will mean more than giving air conditioning to the third world. Every corner of our planet will be affected in some way, requiring huge investments to replace unsuitable infrastructure.

Even if we can afford all this, there will be a big difference between who needs things and who can afford to pay. The tragedy is that ultimately the problems of the third world will be exacerbated by climate change, and we don’t have a very good record in dealing with third world problems to date.

Accepted science says that we can maintain a fairly stable climate if we reduce emissions to 80% of their 1900 levels by 2050. With the combined genius of mankind on tap and no shortage of ideas for alternative energy supplies then that challenge is surely possible. If we are smart about it, we can develop clever technologies that can economically tap renewable energy sources making the planet cleaner and greener for all.

Top things that we might actually do

Ultimately we will most likely do the things which make immediate sense, do a few things which make less sense, and make some vague long term plans to tackle some of the bigger items.

Perhaps, at least, our friends in Bali right now can report back on ideal ways to have fun in a tropical environment.