Heyo, I’m usually only a lurker here, but since climate change and drought are currently a hot topic on the sub, I thought that it might be worth it to [share this op-ed](https://www.lalibre.be/debats/edito/2022/08/13/secheresse-sacclimater-ne-suffira-pas-YV2TFEQOXRBNBBWWX57FHXLMWI/) which I just found in La Libre.
Here below are the parts of the article which I found to be most striking, translated to English with Deepl. I cannot post the whole article due to the rules of the sub. Point is, the journalist believes that radical changes must be swiftly enacted. I’m quite happy that a center-right newspaper is lobbying for stronger climate action, although I believe it’s a bit late. And I found the last sentence (criminalizing climate inaction) to be rather unusual for La Libre as well. After all, they’ve been complaining a lot about bicycle lanes in Brussels. I’m interested in reading your take on the topic, and to know whether you also observe a change of tone in Dutch-speaking media.
Relevant bits of the article:
*The public authorities, paralyzed by the fear of unpopular decisions, are reacting piecemeal to events in the face of this rapid but predicted deterioration of the situation. The paradox is that by postponing difficult choices, they (and we) are condemning themselves to even more radical choices in the future. \[…\]*
*Measures to prevent and adapt to climate change have become a vital emergency, but they will not be enough. Above all, it is essential to avoid the pitfall of “misadaptation” and seductive short-term solutions that will only lead to difficulties in the medium and long term. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, through the rapid abandonment of fossil fuels, is unavoidable.*
*The climate crisis must be structurally at the heart, and no longer on the periphery, of all public policies. In our democracies, elected officials of all stripes must demonstrate their ability to act together and consistently in the general interest. Any other attitude can now be considered criminal.*
Edit: typos
2 comments
The rich and powerful aren’t motivated to solve these crises. Too hot ? Too cold ? Floods ? Nothing a house in another country can’t solve. Lack of water ? Commercialise it ! Food shortage ? Let the slaves fetch the fresh produce.
There’s no incentive to solve this by the people who can, unless a very large portion of humanity comes together. But we won’t, there’s too much risk losing the current lifestyle.
>journalist believes
Doesnt matter what he believes, its too late.
Even if it wasn’t, the required changes are impossible. Even if belgium would become net zero co2 today (no cars, no trucks, no heating, no construction, etc….), even if europe would, rest of the world continues as is. Net effect would be negligible. Australia is opening new coal mines as we speak, so is china. Norway which is supposed to be worlds leading example of climate responsibility just extended exploitation of fossil fuels until at least 2070. Anything we do means nothing when we continue to dig up fossil fuels.
Sorry to burden you with my pessimistic world view, i hope i’m wrong, i hope the young generation will turn things around. I do hope, but i don’t believe.