Ideological clashes between the Left and the Right
A key warning that Klein issues is that the rise of the global Right will severely stall any kind of meaningful climate change related action. The deep, historical currents pushing this trend forward are explored in detail. The Anglosphere (a collective of nations consisting of the North American Continent, the United Kingdom, Australia and certain parts of Western Europe) has historically held power over the global South, and has grown accustomed to large-scale extractions of natural resources from these regions, when their own domestic supply of resources was insufficient.The appropriation of resources and capital led to economic superiority, resulting in a higher standard of living for all Anglosphere nations. Additionally, a class of extremely-wealthy individuals who owned an overwhelming percentage of both land and capital emerged. The lifestyles of the 1% fueled the rise of consumerism, and jet-setting lifestyles that guzzled carbon resources. Climate scientists believe that the only way to prevent further environmental damage is a dramatic reduction in consumption of resources by all, which would require a redistribution of wealth for the poorest to survive. Klein argues that the prospect of equality frightens the Right, as this has severe implications for their lifestyles, power and world-view of dominance. This serves to explain why the Right has consistently labelled climate change as a ‘conspiracy’ by the Left, as combatting climate change requires the adoption of the socio-economic changes that the Left have been advocating for decades.
Intersectionality
Climate change cannot be viewed through a single lens. A central thesis in the book is that an amalgam of perspectives is required to thoroughly understand climate change, because the solutions required are intersectional. Racial differences are one key factor in understanding the crisis: the exploitation of Asian and African nations in terms of both physical and human resources by the Anglosphere was instrumental in causing the inequality that exists today. The economic system of capitalism, and the practice of free trade have created an unsustainable global demand that can no longer be met without causing environmental catastrophe. An unusual angle explored in the book is that socio-economic class and gender are key factors as well. Klein quotes recent research showing that confident, white men were six times more likely to deny the existence of climate change. The connection drawn is that this segment of the population would be more likely to be in positions of power, and the admission of climate change would challenge both their world-view and way of life. Taking these multiple lenses into consideration, Klein calls for a climate change solution that creates equal opportunity for all: regardless of gender, race and social class.
Cultural Perceptions of Nature
While fossil fuel companies and politicians issuing licenses to lay oil pipelines are definitely key parties to be blamed for climate change, there are hidden cultural shifts that have expedited the process. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, and the rise of neoliberalism as a dominant global ideology, nature was seen as a ‘mother’. Indigenous beliefs of nature being a generous, yet stern mother resulted in strict taboos against activities that would exploit nature or tamper the delicate ecological balance. However, the coming of the Industrial Revolution saw a transformation in this perception. From being a mother who must be respected, nature became a machine to be used for growth. All of nature’s elements were seen as raw materials that could be used for development: limitlessly and without consequence. This shift has not only depleted resources, but also interfered with nature’s carefully crafted harmony, setting off a devastating domino effect.
Activism
Having been an activist for several decades, Klein has experienced the full spectrum of activism: from policy level victories to arrests. Many of the climate scientists whose work and interviews were been cited in the book had one common remark: that united, undeterred protests was one of the few things giving them hope. These protests alone can create the necessary friction to prevent the implementation of policies that would devastate the natural world. The promising trend of youth activism, such as school strikes and walk outs, are gaining considerable traction across continents, making politicians sit up and take notice of what school-going children have to say. 16 year-old Greta Thunberg has become the global face of angry children who demand better, and her habit of telling politicians and world leaders that they should be ashamed of their actions shows no signs of stopping. Klein believes the younger generation holds great promise for the climate change movement, as this generation understands that they will be the ones inheriting a broken ecosystem.
Technology’s Limits
It is tempting to believe that new technologies will miraculously cool down the planet and clean up the oceans. However, Klein is skeptical of new technologies that possess these qualities that are almost too good to be true. The author’s personal investigations into geo-engineering (an emerging field attempting to artificially alter natural conditions) reveals frightening prospects. From spraying cooling substances into the sky that will block solar radiation, to strategically dropping materials into the ocean to coax water bodies into reset mode, these technologies could have life altering impacts on agriculture and weather cycles. These fears are amplified by the fact that geo-engineering technologies are funded by some of the world’s wealthiest individuals. Klein’s argument against these technologies is simple: if changing our behaviors and consumption patterns is a definitive solution that is proven to work, why are we instead tampering with the “planet’s thermostat” and furthering the risk of damage?
