So what do climate deniers say now? In recent years, environmental disasters have followed one another and the situation is not about to improve. Experts are more pressing when it comes to implementing solutions. International political organizations are taking up the issue, and further efforts must be made.
Alarming Reports
Proponents of ecocidal theories no longer take part in climate discussions. The devastating effects of global warming are palpable. It is no longer possible to ignore them, they now face us. The ecological question is now at the heart of States' concerns. Long reluctant to take any measures or to comply with them when some have been introduced, the leaders of the great nations are finally showing a willingness to listen more to specialists.
The sixth report of the IPCC, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, was published on 20 March. Not surprisingly, its findings are alarming. Indeed, if measures are not taken quickly, the temperature could rise by three degrees by the end of the century. The various specialists admit in the summary of the report that measures have been taken in particular about the emission of greenhouse gasses, the main culprits of global warming. The efforts made in recent years are not enough.
Eco-responsible practices must be accentuated in the future. The paleoclimatologist Jean Jouzel explained for France 24: "The diagnosis is based on common sense, namely what measures must be taken so that today's young people can adapt to climate change without too much difficulty in the second half of this century".
The Anthropocene, the period in which we live, is in full swing. It refers to the domination of Man over nature. This mode of operation is currently experiencing its limits. Humans thought they could wipe out ecosystems without fully understanding the consequences. He was wrong. They stand all around us. Indeed, extreme weather events follow one another. There is an increase in drought episodes or, on the contrary, floods around the world.
Recently, between February and March 2023, Cyclone Freddy hit the east coast of Africa, twice, a notable weather phenomenon because it is very rare. Still, for France 24, the climate specialist continued by specifying: "Uninhabitable areas are increasingly highlighted, because of climatic conditions such as humidity or heat that prevents activities outside in a normal way."
For example, climate change is leading to human deaths, animal extinction, reduced food security and access to safe drinking water. The climate emergency is imperative for everyone. Proof of this is the small Pacific state, Vanuatu pleaded for climate justice on March 29 at the UN. Indeed, the premier of the small state explains: "States have obligations" in protecting the climate system. This will allow the International Court of Justice in the future to specify the role of large states in the fight for the preservation of different ecosystems.
Indeed, it is generally developing countries that are most affected by the effects of global warming. It is no coincidence that Vanuatu has spoken out on the issue. The country was hit by powerful hurricanes Kevin and Judy in early March. Climate change is partly an illustration of the butterfly effect. Actions that are taken in one place have consequences miles away. However, the climate issue continues to be a political springboard for some leaders.
Water Stress, a Political Object?
In France, President Emmanuel Macron presented his "water plan" on March 30. The latter essentially consists of implementing solutions to reduce the consumption of this commodity, which will become increasingly scarce in the years to come. Indeed, France has experienced episodes of intense drought in recent years during which rainfall is very low, which causes, among other things, damage to crops.
Especially since the cycle of the seasons seems to be greatly modified, seasonal temperatures are no longer at the rendezvous, which further complicates the situation. It is largely for this reason that the mega-basin project in Sainte-Soline, in the Deux-Sèvres (in the centre-west of France) was set up, to support farmers and agribusiness in severe drought. This project is also contested since it would be, according to geologists, the worst solution to this problem.
To return to the question of Emmanuel Macron's "water plan", the French are asked to make savings in blue gold. The government's stated goal is a saving of 10% by 2030. This includes: "the acceleration of sobriety everywhere and in the long term, the fight against leaks, the reuse of wastewater, support for the transformation of the agricultural model and the implementation of water pricing".
Some accuse the French president of shifting the debate and attention of the French people. Emmanuel Macron has said it many times, the pension reform and the popular uprising it generated are behind him and his government. The discontent surrounding the reform no longer concerns him. On the other hand, the ecological terrain is now at the heart of his attention. A cause ardently defended by the younger generations, the president is trying to rally them to his cause by investing in the issue.
It should be noted that the main protesters against the pension reform in the streets are also the segment of the population that mobilizes the most around the ecological issue. So the president kills two birds with one stone. It shows the population that it is attentive to its ecological concerns while implementing real sustainable projects. It remains to be seen whether the young demonstrators will be attentive to the efforts made by Emmanuel Macron.
The ecological question is therefore fundamentally a political issue, both nationally and internationally.
Also, as citizen of the world, it is possible to take individual actions. It is the sum of personal wills that will make the difference. It is understood here that the small gestures of everyday life also count. It's not always about politics. Since powerful States do not seem so bothered by the collapse of ecosystems, it must be considered that civic action can be one of the keys in the preservation of nature.
Edited By Sean Mulryan
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