Latest Development
Environmental experts in the United Kingdom are urging officials to use the pandemic recovery period to establish new policies aimed at combating climate change. Britain is already a pioneer in the area, aiming for net zero emissions by 2050. While developed nations are the top producers of greenhouse gases, the effects of climate change are felt mainly in developing nations. Burdens such as extreme weather and water scarcity are placed on the world’s poorest communities, and they will continue to worsen.
Objectives Of Advocacy
In a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the Committee on Climate Change proposed a six-pronged approach. The policy suggestions include continuing to promote working from home, creating new jobs by investing in green infrastructure, protection against climate risks, and tax incentives for citizens to change their behaviors. In the letter, the organization argues that now is the perfect time for these changes as the government is spending unprecedented amounts of money to stimulate the economy.
The main focus is creating lasting change to ensure quality of life for years to come, in Britain and beyond. The letter acknowledges those who have lost the most during the pandemic, saying “The response to the pandemic has disproportionately affected the same lower-income groups and younger people who face the largest long-term impacts of climate change.” The committee also believes that Britain’s actions would inspire other nations to follow suit. They argue that “The pandemic is a sharp reminder that the world’s most challenging crises do not respect borders and require strong collaborative global action.”
Why This Matters
The World Health Organization has been advocating for global focus on climate change for years. It is difficult for many wealthy nations to enact meaningful reform as the effects of climate change are not directly felt among voters. However, the WHO says these nations must still act with urgency for the sake of global health. “Areas with weak health infrastructure – mostly in developing countries – will be the least able to cope without assistance to prepare and respond. WHO supports countries in building climate-resilient health systems and tracking national progress in protecting health from climate change.”
The Covid-19 pandemic, like climate change, transcends borders and requires a focused and international effort. Perhaps the cooperative mentality adopted by countries in their efforts to fight the virus will continue. However, there is also a mentality prevalent among developed nations in response to the coronavirus that the economy should be prioritized over public health. Whichever mentality prevails over governments is a result of the beliefs of constituents. Young people who will see the climate threats need to fight for continued change.
Accountability In The Long-Term
As seen in the Paris Agreement, nations can be convinced to commit to lasting change if the effort is led by the world’s most powerful countries. Britain should be applauded for their inclusion and support of international agreements, as well as their internal environmental policies. On the other hand, the United States has left the Paris Agreement and the current administration has been undermining Obama-era changes, as explained by National Geographic.
The WHO claims that between 2030 and 2050, climate change will cause 250,000 additional deaths per year from conditions such as malaria and malnutrition. World leaders must prepare now for that eventuality, which would require spending more now in order to save money and lives in the years to come. The article also says that in these years, the direct damage costs per year could be up to US$4 billion. Environmental policy changes do not need to be a part of coronavirus stimulus packages, but now—while international cooperation is at the forefront of the global perspective—is a good time to discuss urgent changes.
