MIpodcastEP336

Introduction

• Host: Rick Harp from Toronto, Media Indigenum, Episode 336

• Topic: Colonial carbon culpability and its impact on climate justice.

• Source: Study by Carbon Brief analyzing 170 years of emissions regarding climate justice.

• Key Focus: Historical responsibility for climate change and the role of colonial rule.

Key Findings from the Carbon Brief Study

• Title of Study: "How colonial rule radically shifts historical responsibility for climate change."

• Main Contribution: Adds a critical dimension to the understanding of historical emissions and their implications for today's climate crisis.

• Findings:

  • The former British Empire significantly increased the UK's carbon emissions contribution—nearly doubling the responsibility attributed to them due to extractive practices during colonial rule.

  • The study aimed to highlight who has contributed to global warming and by how much, emphasizing accountability.

Colonial Legacy and Climate Justice

• Historical Context:

  • Climate change is a cumulative problem; every ton of CO2 emitted since the industrial revolution contributes to current warming.

  • Urgency to reach net-zero emissions to limit warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius, with only a limited carbon budget remaining.

• Motivation:

  • Understanding whose actions have led to current emissions and their consequences.

  • Framing colonial actions as part of the historical narrative leading to today's climate issues.

Discussion with Special Guest Simon Evans

• Background on Simon Evans: Deputy editor and senior policy editor at Carbon Brief, engaged in climate policy discussions.

• Emissions Measurement:

  • Study's starting point at 1850 due to increased fossil fuel emissions and changes in land use.

  • Canonical emission reports focus on cumulative data from this time onwards.

• Modeling Responsibility:

  • Past emissions tied to current countries based on historical colonial control.

  • Emphasized the importance of using accurate data from fossil fuel records and land-use changes for accountability.

Implications for Policy Discussions

• COP28 Insights:

  • Climate justice seen as an underlying issue in formal climate negotiations, though often understated.

  • Conversations regarding responsibility and reparations amidst discussions of climate finance.

• Colonial Emissions and Global Emissions:

  • Results show that countries like India and Indonesia, under colonial rule, now face questions about responsibility for past emissions.

  • Perspective shifts with research showing a need for broader acknowledgment of colonial impact on present emissions.

Analyzing Canada's Role in Emissions

• Canada's Position:

  • Ranked 10th globally for historical emissions, with only a slight portion attributed to colonial history.

  • Per capita emissions place Canada 5th, reflecting significant individual responsibility.

• Complexity of Culpability:

  • The debate over attributing emissions from the colonial era to modern nations is nuanced, leading to varying interpretations of responsibility.

Call for Equity in Climate Responsibility

• Addressing Climate Justice:

  • The need for developing nations to have a say in emissions standards and reparations tied to colonial history.

  • Importance of discussing potential reparations and more extensive measures to address climate injustice as a society.

Future Considerations in Climate Policies

• Solutions:

  • Emphasizing the need for substantial reductions in fossil fuel reliance while exploring carbon capture technologies with caution.

  • Advocating for progressive nations like the UK and Canada to enhance efforts in cutting emissions and aiding developing nations.

• Final Thoughts:

  • The conversation around climate justice and colonialism must continue to evolve, challenging the sustainability of current models of development while acknowledging historical injustices.