Student reflection on climate change
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This lecture focuses on the political perception of climate change in the Global North. More specifically, the political crossroads associated with it. Throughout the years, the climate change narrative has been portrayed as science vs natural occurrence. Parts of the world recognize the issue as a threat fueled by anthropogenic measures, while others view it as a “hoax”. I would argue that in the political north we have a fair share of both viewpoints, and depending on the current governing administration, one perspective can outweigh the other. As argued by Dr. Culhane, and strongly supported by me, climate change mitigation does not require a particular belief. It is not the same as choosing a politician, but rather a means to improve the livelihoods of global citizens. By politicizing climate change, we have stripped away the importance of addressing it in holistic manner.
Anthropogenic or natural, the origin of climate change does not really matter when it comes to addressing it. As discussed in previous lectures, the biggest worry is the rapid rate at which global temperatures are rising. From this perspective, global warming can be seen as a natural cause while anthropogenic practices are the cause of the rapid rate. Putting this aside, everyone in the global north has experienced the effects of climate change. I think that a great example is the unusual weather patterns we have lived through no matter the geographical location of the country. Therefore, climate solutions must be implemented despite political beliefs, and this seems to be point that we cannot surpass. The climate solutions presented in Hawken (2017), at least for the most part, are indeed simple with no ecological downsides. So even if climate change was not a threat, the benefits to these solutions outweigh the costs of implementation.
The harsh reality of our current time is that fossil fuels are a dominant market, and I find it hard to believe that we will be free from this market. However, I do strongly believe that renewable energy must be integrated into our current system, even if it does not result in a complete transition within the timeframe desired. In the meantime, incorporating technologies to offset greenhouse gas emissions is extremely valuable. For instance, using carbon capture technologies as Exxon Mobil is doing in Louisiana (ExxonMobil, 2026). It’s a matter of taking the opportunities we see within our current system to achieve a desired outcome. Economic growth does not have to equal pollution, but rather zero waste. I do believe that this is achievable with change and control in narrative.
Being able to control the narrative of climate change mitigation and adaptation is important to achieve the desired outcomes. By controlling the narrative, we can steer conversations, ideas, and potential projects in the direction towards sustainability. Keeping it in one lane, and avoiding the conversation from drifting left and right, will help get to a consensus. Just like Exxon Mobil’s carbon capture expansion, we can obtain something good from a not so good practice. While it may not be perfect, it serves as a steppingstone to achieving greater sustainability goals. Most importantly, it can serve as evidence that the ideas work and open the door for others to be implemented. This is a lesson that I learned early in the start of my career. Working in environmental permitting, I had to assume the role of a regulator rather than a “protector”. I understood that natural resource impacts are going to be inevitable, but through my guidance and narrative I could also minimize them to the largest extent possible.
ExxonMobil. (2026, February 18). Expanding our CCS operations in Louisiana with another project startup. https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/what-we-do/delivering-industrial-solutions/carbon-capture-and-storage/expanding-our-ccs-operations-in-louisiana-with-another-project-startupLinks to an external site.
Hawken, P. (Ed.). (2017). Drawdown: The most comprehensive plan ever proposed to reverse global warming. Penguin Books.
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