The Green Analysis

Climate change is a complex problem with numerous negative effects but few viable solutions. This lack of clear solutions causes people to innovate and branch in many directions. However, as climate change has come to the forefront of society, there is one clear “pathway” to solving climate change that has been broadly accepted. This methodology for climate change involves high amounts of government intervention and funding, international and non-profit efforts, stricter economic regulation, and changes to your lifestyle. This method works in solving climate change, but it has many flaws and has been politicalized as a democratic idea; now, climate change is associated not as a global issue but as a political agenda, all because the most popularized “pathway” to solving climate change more closely aligns with certain political parties’ ideals.

The Issue

This “pathway” has been working, and most of the progress we see today is due to this solution. However, as time goes on, progress will inevitably slow more and more. This “pathway” has caused a significant divide within society, and those not participating are adamant about not doing so. Once all the participating members have done all they can, these inactive members will inhibit any future progress toward solving climate change. A large part of the problem is the over-politicization of climate change in both parties, with liberal political parties endorsing this original “pathway” and accepting it as part of their agenda. While conservative parties see that climate change as a whole has been associated with liberal ideals, they deny it as a whole to oppose their opponents. The fact that this original “pathway” involved more liberal policies, such as increased government spending and more taxes, led to some businesses and groups not being inclined or incentivized to support the cause of climate change at all.

Solutions

Some potential solutions to this issue are the depoliticization of climate change, allowing people to choose their own “pathway” to solving climate change instead of arguing whether or not to support it as a whole. This can be taken a step further by popularizing other ways people can contribute to the global climate effort. For example, investing in green technologies such as improved electronics, direct air capture, and renewable energy. These methods are more business-oriented, allowing people to make money by investing in these companies as they grow and support climate change. Some other more business and less government-intensive options are supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, an adaptation of previous infrastructure into a more modern market(clean energy), and supporting the creation of new markets based around sustainability, just to name a few. Overall, reducing the stigma around climate change as a part of the liberal agenda will do wonders for the cause. Uniting people of all beliefs to this one common goal, with each person able to play a part in solving climate change, regardless of political belief, will lead to continued progress toward this monumental challenge that society faces.