Riederike Otto, a senior lecturer in climate science at Imperial College, London, and co-founder of the Global Weather Attributes Initiative, explores the relationship between climate change and global inequality in her work and book titled “Climate Illness: Why We Need to Fight Global Inequality to Fight Climate Change.” She argues that while the scientific cause of global warming is the accumulation of carbon due to fossil fuel burning, the socio-economic systems benefiting from this, primarily the wealthy elite, perpetuate the crisis.
Otto highlights that issues like racism, colonialism, and sexism exacerbate the impacts of climate change, making vulnerable populations more susceptible to extreme weather events. She contends that simply developing renewable energy technology is insufficient; addressing societal inequalities is crucial for effective climate action.
She also critiques the framing of “natural disasters,” asserting that such events are often exacerbated by social vulnerabilities rather than purely environmental factors. While she recognizes the importance of international climate discussions, like those in the COP process, she believes they need to strengthen and address underlying inequalities more effectively.
Otto emphasizes the need for strong warning systems during extreme weather events, citing the 2021 Pacific Northwest heatwave, which resulted in significant fatalities. She expresses concern over disinformation regarding climate science and the challenges it presents for public belief and policy. Overall, Otto underscores the urgent need to connect climate action with broader issues of social justice for meaningful progress.
Source link
