We often talk about climate change as a crisis that affects all of humanity. But are we all equally responsible for causing it, or equally exposed to its consequences?
According to Oxfam’s latest report, The Disaster Divide, the richest 0.1% of the world’s population produce more carbon emissions than the poorest 44% combined, while poorer communities bear a disproportionate share of the damage.
BFM talks to Peter Beattie, a professor in political economy and political psychology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, about the relationship between climate change, inequality and the global economic system.
In this conversation, they discuss:
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Who is responsible for climate change, and are we all equally to blame?
They examine the vast differences in carbon emissions between the ultra-wealthy and the global poor, including how consumption-based and investment-based emissions help us understand who is really driving the climate crisis.
Is economic development in the Global South part of the problem?
As developing countries seek to industrialise, urbanise and improve living standards, we explore the tension between economic development and environmental sustainability, and why the Global South should not be expected to remain poor to address a crisis largely created by the Global North.
How does climate change deepen existing inequalities?
From agricultural livelihoods destroyed by extreme weather to the unequal ability to insure, relocate and rebuild after disasters, we examine why poorer communities are more vulnerable to climate shocks.
Could climate change trigger a new wave of mass displacement and conflict?
With up to one billion people potentially displaced by 2050, we explore how climate-related migration could strain cities, intensify political tensions and create opportunities for politicians to scapegoat migrants and fuel conflict.
Can we transform the global economy without sacrificing quality of life?
They explore the idea of degrowth, why the problem is not economic growth itself but growth under the current system, and how transforming energy, agriculture, manufacturing and urban planning could support both ecological sustainability and human flourishing.
Presenter and producer: Dashran Yohan for BFM
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
