Blog Post #1- Pragya Jain

During the first class, we covered the basic chemistry behind rising atmospheric temperatures and discussed our initial thoughts on solutions that aim to slow down the rate of carbon emissions. The articles assigned for this week’s reading gave an in-depth analysis of what the fate of humanity might look like if immediate action isn’t taken. 

Ironically, the existence of climate change is a testament to how successful the human race is. We surpassed any obstacle mother nature has swung our way and built a world that enables us to live in the most comfortable state possible. However, we have also created a world system that is reliant on carbon as the primary source of energy. 

Perhaps the most terrifying aspect of climate change is how deeply entrenched the carbon industry is in the global economy. From the way our food is produced and the way we travel to our political structures, huge parts of modern-day living are affected by the carbon industry. Additionally, it seems that economic progress and environmental degradation happen in unison; the exploitation of the Earth for fossil fuels props up companies like Exxon and Shell. The huge profit margins of this industry is incredibly enticing and many people invest their own money hoping to earn a quick buck. Even progressive governments can be drawn into this vicious cycle of greed, and “Canada… signed on to the Kyoto treaty, promising to cut its carbon emissions substantially by 2012. But the rising price of oil suddenly made the tar sands of Alberta economically attractive. In December, the Canadian government withdrew from the treaty before it faced fines for failing to meet its commitments” (“Global Warming’s Terrifying New Math”, Bill McKibben). We tend to get caught up in the short-term allure of money and forget the severity of the situation.