"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Category: Earth/Climate science
Residential Segregation and Environmental Racism
06/13/20
“How are residential segregation and environmental racism connected?”
Residential segregation is used by institutional racism to deny less-privileged communities access to equal opportunities. One way this occurs is to force such people to live in areas near environmental hazards such as waste dumps and factories. This is how Residential Segregation and Environmental Racism are connected.
And don’t forget, #BlackLivesMatter
How Investing in Education Instead of Policing Could Cultivate the Climate Adaptation Leaders of the Future
06/12/20
“How can investing resources away from policing and into education cultivate tomorrow’s Climate Adaptation Leaders?”
Climate change is set to affect communities from the most marginalized backgrounds of society the most. Logically, the leaders of climate adaptation should spring up from these groups. However, due to governments’ existing preference for funding policing over education, many of these people with great potential will be locked up instead and left with sub-par opportunities. If this was reversed, then a whole new crop of elites could form to drive forward action on the climate crisis. This is How Investing in Education Instead of Policing Could Cultivate the Climate Adaptation Leaders of the Future.
And don’t forget, #BlackLivesMatter
Why the Increase in Extreme Weather May Offset Energy Efficiency Improvements
05/24/20
“How may the increase in more extreme weather offset energy efficiency improvements?”
With the advent of climate change, extreme weather is going to become more and more common. Areas that used to barely see a scorching day in Summer may now have to deal with weeks of extreme heat. This will make people more reliant on internal temperature control, increasing energy usage, and offsetting some of the gains made by energy efficiency improvements. This is Why the Increase in Extreme Weather May Offset Energy Efficiency Improvements.
Image credit http://www.weaa.org
Ecofascism
05/22/20
“How can environmentalism fuse with fascism in the most revolting of ways?”
In most political contexts, environmentalism and fascism are on diametrically opposing sides. The former seems to wish for humanity to live in natural harmony with the latter wishes for a particular group to conquer the world using exploitive military tactics. However, a new ideology is beginning to emerge that combines both of these into a whole. Ecofascism. Ecofascists believe that “lesser races” and “decadent lifestyles” are driving the planet to destruction, and that only through extinguishing these can humanity hope for long-term survival. Ecofacist movements today can be seen online in the social media sphere, the shootings at Christchurch and El Paso, and the current Austrian government.
Image credit cdn.britannica.com
Climate Xenophobia
05/21/20
“How can xenophobia be aroused by climate change?”
Xenophobia is present in all societies. However, with the advent of climate change, fear of climate migrants are only going to become worse and worse. This Climate Xenophobia will become a hot topic in the future.
Image credit compote.slate.com
Smoke Inhalation
05/20/20
“Why is smoke inhalation bad?”
When smoke occurs, whether it be from wildfires or a kitchen accident, particulate matter is released. If this is trapped indoors, then people can breathe it in and develop problems from Smoke Inhalation.
River Pollution
05/18/20
“How can rivers become polluted?”
Rivers are one of the original lifebloods of civilizations. Cities as grand as Babylon, Moscow, and New Orleans were built due to their proximity to important rivers for easy access to commerce. In time, Industrial facilities would be built so supplies could be shipped off without much hassle. However, the increased industrial activity led to River Pollution, where the channels have become washed with waste and toxins. This has the potential to spill into nearby drinking water, making it something that governments should take note of.
Misadaptation
05/16/20
“How can climate adaptation be appropriated for nefarious purposes?”
Discussion of climate adaptation and resilience is becoming more apparent in the world. However, just like greenwashing takes place in mitigation, misadaptation can exacerbate climate vulnerabilities for marginalized populations while benefiting privileged ones. For example, building a levee that causing flooding down a river only shifts the climate risks, not mollifies it.
How Climate Change Will Affect Hydropower Production
05/13/20
“How will climate change affect hydropower production?”
With the advent of climate change, precipitation levels will drastically increase in some areas and decrease in others. The former can cause water body flooding while the latter would lead to drought. These events could destroy the hydropower plant parts and diminish the energy source respectively. This is How Climate Change Will Affect Hydropower Production.
Image credit student-energy.s3.amazonaws.com
