Global warming is a social phenomenon, too

Global warming is a social, a cultural, a spiritual, a mental, and a psychological problem. But as a topic for social research it remains largely untouched. As for now, it remains a topic left with the experts of the physical and natural sciences to map out, wrap up, and resolve. As these scientific reports we are getting are becoming more and more worrisome, and it may seem as if solving the problem of global warming — making global warming stop — is going to take a lot of social change. Unless we are all supposed to come to believe there will be new technological fixes to the problems of emissions from oil, gas, and coal on a relatively short notice, it means the consumption of oil, gas, and coal must be brought down from the current level, and not be allowed to increase as expected by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Now, as there is virtually no social indicator available to say otherwise, it seems as if the IEA will be right in assuming that CO2 emissions will increase in the coming years, and not decrease, as would be required (the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has issued statements to the effect that we have an eight-year window of opportunity at our hands here). I say: this should in every possible way leave the social sciences with a task that should not be overlooked. But the masters of the social sciences keep overlooking it. Why? Because the probable end results of the proposed social scientific investigation into the matter of the social changes required to prevent the heating of the world to dangerous levels are way too depressing to even try to cope with. And I say this because it is everywhere for everyone to see that there is not much that is being done to curb greenhouse gas emissions. — Not here, not there, and not anywhere. While we all ought to know that we got to get started here, we keep procrastinating.

This is a social dilemma which is not being studied by anyone (I just googled the line “global warming social challenge” and didn’t find much of interest, I’m afraid). But I’d like to believe the ugly truth must someday come out of the social sciences departments and institutions of the university sector. As it is: I’m still waiting for signs of warning coming from other fields of study than the psychological science (some research on the actual human side of the global warming situation is actually being studied by psychologists). I am thinking first and foremost of the departments of philosophy, sociology, and social anthropology, and I ask myself: why are these people keeping their mouths shut? Can’t they see that global warming is also a social phenomenon? And that it needs to be adressed?

Whenever media outlets are broadcasting the publications of new physical science reports that says things about the emissions cuts that needs to be undertaken, I am not among those who instinctively start thinking about possible technological fixes. I’m left thinking about the social aspects involved in reducing fossil fuels use. As for now, I’m quite ready to accept the notion that I’m thinking like a madman, and that most people believe technological solutions to global warming is right around the corner. But I doubt that there is. The solution to global warming is a global-wide social revolution, that’s my belief. But it’s also my belief that this is not going to happen. We’re going to sit around waiting for technological fixes until our faces turn blue. As the class system and the nation-state system continues to pose as among the most important sources of grievances amongst our number, and also as the most important sources of social distractions available to us, as a relatively high CO2 emissions output remains an indicator of wealth, happiness, and joy all over the planet. While relatively low individual and societal CO2 emissions levels are the safest of all statistical signs of poverty.

Global warming is a hypocrisy issue. As bad news is the fastest kind of news available to the human brain, I know that global warming is something that all sincere adults are aware of, and worried about, no matter where on the planet they are living. I’d also like to believe that most adults are indeed sincere. A fact which leads me to believing that the current world civilization must collapse as soon as possible, and be replaced by a much more nature friendly civilization: one that puts a greater value on what’s best for Mother Nature than it does on the interest of the nation-state, the corporate economy, the great wealth of the very few, and so on. I don’t believe it is going to happen.

So I’m off to meet with my space alien friends again. The little green people who are all baffled by what they’re seeing on this planet. Watching this species of four-wheeled mammals about to going absolutely insane by way of coming to understand and realize what a social mess we are all wading into here. As a whole species of ecosystems destroyers are coming to realize that we should be living a bit more like red indians here, or stop driving cars until the new and eco-friendly batteries have gone safe. And rage aginst the soothing tele-vision machines while we’re at it. As we understand that they are making our present times appear so very beautiful and cosy while the whole planet is seething with fantastic climate chaos and exhilarating extreme weather events, just waiting for us to connect with a future that is looking dimmer and dimmer as procrastination is left to just continue. And so on.

Now, my space aliens belong to my Dream-Lands. Where they’ll stay. Always with me, but never part of me.

Distantly introspect.