The Great Derangement Part II

The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable

Amitav Ghosh

• Presented by The University of Chicago Press

The Anthropocene and Climate Crisis

• Key Concepts:

  • The narrative of the Anthropocene often pivots around capitalism.

  • Naomi Klein identifies capitalism as a principal driver of climate change.

  • The relationship between capitalism and empire is complex and not straightforward.

  • Exploring the climate crisis through the lens of empire reveals significant insights.

  • Asia's role in global warming is critical, yet often overlooked due to Eurocentric discourse.

Asia's Centrality to Global Warming

• Demographic Significance:

  • Asia contains a vast population that is highly vulnerable to climate change.

  • Example: Bengal Delta, home to over 250 million people, faces severe risks from rising sea levels and extreme weather.

  • Comparatively, Tuvalu has a population of less than 10,000 and cannot match the sheer impact seen in Asia.

  • Historical disasters, e.g., the 1971 Bhola cyclone, exemplify the human cost of climate-related events, with hundreds of thousands lost.

• Geological Vulnerability:

  • Asian deltas are subsiding faster than ocean levels are rising, exacerbating flooding risks.

  • Unique factors in different regional deltas, such as the Indus and Ganges, compound vulnerability.

  • Saltwater intrusion threatens agriculture and freshwater supplies, pushing large populations into displacement.

• Food and Water Security:

  • Droughts and flooding are jeopardizing agriculture across Asia, particularly in India and Pakistan.

  • Major ramifications include significant reductions in food supply and widespread desertification.

  • The Himalayan glaciers, crucial for sustaining populations, are retreating rapidly, threatening water security for billions.

Economic Dynamics in Asia

• Role in Global GHG Emissions:

  • Asia's late industrialization has a distinct impact on global greenhouse gas contributions.

  • The acceleration of industrial activities in Asia since the 1980s tightened the timeline for climate adaptation and recognition.

  • Counterintuitive Outcomes: Asian modernization contradicts assumptions about universal patterns of industrialization.

• Imperialism's Impact Over Time:

  • The late industrialization in Asia due to imperialism has delayed climate crisis recognition.

  • Decolonization gave rise to rapid economic growth that contributed to global warming.

Global Climate Justice

• Although Western nations historically emitted the majority of GHGs, the present-day responsibilities must consider historical contexts.

• Calls for climate reparations are central to discussions on equity and justice in global climate negotiations.

• Interconnectedness of Actions: All human actions collectively contribute to current climate conditions, highlighting the shared responsibility across nations.

Conclusion

• The narrative of climate change transcends individual responsibilities, encompassing a collective historical development that continues to unfold.

• Recognizing Asia's dual role as both a victim and a contributor to climate change is vital in shaping future global policies and responses to the climate crisis.