What's Wrong with Climate Politics and How to Fix It (PWWS - Polity Whats Wrong series): 7 - Softcover

Harris, Paul G.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0745652514 ISBN 13: 9780745652511

Publisher: Polity, 2013

Synopsis

Governments have failed to stem global emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases causing climate change. Indeed, climate-changing pollution is increasing globally, and will do so for decades to come without far more aggressive action. But what explains this failure to effectively tackle one of the world’s most serious problems? And what can we do about it?

To answer these questions, this book looks at climate politics as a doctor might look at a very sick patient. He performs urgent diagnoses and prescribes vital treatments to revive our ailing planet before it’s too late. 

Harris begins by diagnosing what’s most wrong with climate politics, including the anachronistic international system, which encourages nations to fight for their narrowly perceived interests and makes major cuts in greenhouse pollution extraordinarily difficult; the deadlock between the United States and China, which together produce over one-third of global greenhouse gas pollution but do little more than demand that the other act first; and affluent lifestyles and overconsumption, which are spreading rapidly from industrialized nations to the developing world.

The book then prescribes several ‘remedies’ for the failed politics of climate change – ranging from a new kind of climate diplomacy and a campaign for simultaneously enhancing human wellbeing and environmental sustainability to national policies that put the common but differentiated responsibilities of individuals alongside those of nations.  While these treatments are aspirational, they are not intended to be utopian. As Harris shows, they are genuine, workable solutions to what ails the politics of climate change today. 
 

About this title

Review:

"Fixing" climate politics is a near-impossible task, but Paul Harris points to a way forward that does hold out some hope. His clearly-written book will also be useful as an introduction to the problem of climate change and the politics associated with it. Peter Singer, Princeton University I very much enjoyed reading this book. It is well-written, accessible and engaging, and packed full of ideas and observations about the challenges of climate politics. I have no doubt that students will find it stimulating. Neil Carter, University of York

About the Author:

Paul G. Harris is Chair Professor of global and environmental studies at the Hong Kong Institute of Education.

About this edition

• Publisher: Polity
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0745652514
• ISBN 13: 9780745652511
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 296