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"Is the fundamental problem human overpopulation?"
Disappointing answer from the BBC here. We need to be tackling neomalthusian/neocolonial discourses around overpopulation of black/brown bodies. Fundamentally, this is a question of consumption. THREAD 1/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-51134254
Disappointing answer from the BBC here. We need to be tackling neomalthusian/neocolonial discourses around overpopulation of black/brown bodies. Fundamentally, this is a question of consumption. THREAD 1/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-51134254
Qatar has the worlds highest emissions, a staggering 49 tonnes per capita. Its small population means national emissions are still relatively low. Large countries with high per capita emissions, Australia (17t), US (16.2) and Canada (15.6) have a much more significant impact 2/
High emissions are not necessarily to maintain a high standard of living. Global average emissions per capita in 2017 was 4.8t. Some European countries are close to this but have high standards of living i.e Portugal (5.3t) 3/
Back to the neocolonial/neo-Malthusian "what about overpopulation in Africa/India/insert Global South country?" Emissions in Sub-Saharan countries such as Chad, Niger and CAR are around 0.1 tonnes. In 2.3 days the average American emits as much as the average Malian 4/
Typically the response to this is something about China. Well 22% of CO2 emissions are produced for goods that, ultimately, are consumed in another country. Just because emissions in the West are decreasing does not mean our carbon footprints are 5/
You often hear the Conservatives championing the UK's reduction in emissions. Well, although domestic emissions fell by 27% between 1990 and 2014 in the UK - once you consider C02 imports this drops significantly to only 11%
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Perhaps unsurprisingly, this is even worse in the US. Where a 9% increase in domestic emissions also transpires to be 17% when you include trade. Also, remember most figures do not include aviation or international shipping... 7/
It seems to me, the new wave of climate-denial/scepticism is to acknowledge the science/issue and then deflect responsibility onto the Global South and brown/black bodies. We must challenge this. Every time.
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Climate change is the responsibility of the Global North. We have benefited the most from industrialisation, we will be affected least by climate change and we have the greatest capacity to adapt. Those least responsible are being affected the most and have the fewest resources9/
Fundamentally, climate change is a political issue. We must view it through the lens of justice. Tired tropes around population are simply the newest manifestation of deflection from those with a vested interest to delay action. 10/
Profits have been fuelled by the climate breakdown. Just 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions. It is the rich who have benefitted most. 11/ https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/jul/10/100-fossil-fuel-companies-investors-responsible-71-global-emissions-cdp-study-climate-change
What can you do about it? Be political. Use your voice. Vote/lobby/write. Build solidarity. We need systematic change. 12/
Sources
https://ourworldindata.org/share-co2-emissions
https://www.carbonbrief.org/mapped-worlds-largest-co2-importers-exporters
https://ourworldindata.org/per-capita-co2
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https://ourworldindata.org/share-co2-emissions
https://www.carbonbrief.org/mapped-worlds-largest-co2-importers-exporters
https://ourworldindata.org/per-capita-co2
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I forgot. Fertility rates have halved in the last 50 years anyway and will continue to fall. Continued female empowerment will ensure this trend continues throughout the 21st century.
14/13 https://ourworldindata.org/fertility-rate
14/13 https://ourworldindata.org/fertility-rate
