Why don’t we fear Climate Change as we do Nat’l Security Threats? The Terrorism of Coal & Oil

Intro

Climate change threatens international security and its risks should be assessed the same way as those of nuclear weapons proliferation and terrorism, with findings taken directly to heads of government, according to a new study by experts from the UK, China, India and the US. The risk of severe climate change impacts, such as extreme temperatures causing human fatalities, will continue to grow unless emissions are brought “close to zero”, it states. Emissions can be cut through stronger government efforts and innovation in renewables and energy efficiency, according to the report. With further confirmation today that the economic benefits of tackling climate change easily outweigh the costs, and a report last week confirming that economies can grow while carbon emissions shrink, the case for governments to act to avoid ‘intolerable’ climate change impacts and reap the benefits like public health and cleaner air could not be clearer. Indeed, not acting is quite simply not a viable option.

Key Points

Climate change risk will increase over time unless emissions are brought “close to zero”. Stronger emissions reduction efforts from governments and more innovation in renewables and energy systems are key to reducing risk, says a report from experts in the UK, US, India and China. Risks range from economic vulnerability to excessive temperatures leading to fatalities and crop death, as well as mass migration, state failure, water stress and increased terrorism.

The benefits of tackling climate change are far greater than the costs. Tackling climate change now will not only reduce risk but bring massive net benefits such as better health and cleaner air. Investments in renewables are likely to be more than paid back by the falling costs of solar and wind, and by reduced spending on fossil fuels, the report from the London School of Economics states.

The only option is action. Every day that climate action is delayed leads to exponentially higher costs and human suffering that could have been avoided. We’re already locked into significant impact costs due to inaction, and further inaction will raise the bill higher and faster. Strong action by governments now makes sense from all points of view.