Climate change is making big headlines, and rightly so. Yet, when you try to find out what climate change means for you, personally, in the next 5, 10 years, all you get is abstract scenarios (at best): tourism will suffer in certain regions, as will agriculture and transport, we'll see more catastrophes like tsunamis, and the extinction of species ...things like that. And on the other hand, you get ecofriendly technologies, LOHAS, governments discussing ... which is all ok, but i still think that the real topic has not been touched yet. Or am I the only one thinking that upgrading my home and my lifestyle has very little to do with the impact climate change will have on my life?
How are we going to live with limited resources in a more fragile world?
I am not a futurologist. So here some wild guesses that I suspect many share. (Maybe inspired by growing up in the GDR, a country with limited energy resources and a high premium on over-the-border transport as well)
Due to higher costs of transport & energy, prices will rise for all products, including groceries. People will have new priorities when they go shopping: Food is more valued. Exotic fruit will be the luxury they once were and locally produced food the cheaper choice. Overall, the range of brands will diminish - local manufacturers compete with only a few global brands (who often will also source locally). Also travelling will be more of a luxury, hence the world will get smaller. Local bonds will be strengthened with a new interest in feasts and rituals. Who will care any longer what catastrophes happen in a far away country when the disasters in your neighbourhood take up all your compassion.
OK, that may sound like a fallback to medieval times. Which would be nonsense as a complete picture. I am quite sure about the end of consumerism and throwaway society, though. The economic crisis that will accompany this will be a pain and a challenge to the social stability of Western nations... Is this why nobody is interested in writing about such visions? Instead, you get soothing stories about investing in green shares, buying low-energy lightbulbs, driving a conscience-friendly car. I'll keep looking for answers...
9 Dec 2007
Climate changes what?
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2 comments:
Effects on consumerism can already be seen this Christmas. The Iconowatch newsletter unearthed the trend "ungifting" for this season: "It's not like consumers have become cold, mean grinches en masse. But more of them do seem to be exhibiting some restraint. Call it the Get Real-ing of Christmas. The equation that sets the stage might look something like this: Hyperlife + economy woes + climate change = Bah, humbug. At least in the sense of rethinking what purchasing means. It's easier/cheaper/simpler/smarter/cooler to shift the gifting into lower gear."
Source: www.iconowatch.com
Interesting to know.
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