I believe Margaret Atwood’s It’s Not Climate Change, It’s Everything Change effectively illustrates the social inequalities related to climate change. In fact, the article depicts the environmental injustice that is taking place today – and may worsen in the future – in a provocative but insightful way, portraying two extreme situations that are complete opposites. The author names the utopian outcome “Picture One”, where humans are able to adapt through reforms in technology and mindset, ultimately solving climate change. On the other hand, “Picture Two” illustrates a somber future, one where chaos and panic ensues as the worst imagined consequences of global warming occur.
Finally, “Picture Three” combines the two previous situations, and creates what seems to be a realistic view of how countries are combatting and will combat global warming. Several western and developed countries have already taken significant measures to reduce their carbon footprint. For instance, my home country Norway, has been a leading example of greener policy. In fact, the government has vowed to cut 30 % of their emissions measured in 1990 by 2020, and become carbon neutral by 2050. However, Norway is also an example of hypocrisy and irony. While the government claims it is doing everything within its power to reduce carbon emissions, Norway is one of the largest exporters of oil in the world.
One of the Norwegian oil rigs. Link: http://www.norwayexports.no/Documents/Articles/norway%27s%20green%20oil%20industry.jpg
Countries like Norway are set up for a picture one scenario, while less developed countries will likely face a version of picture two. The bottom line is that while rich countries prosper and remain seemingly unaffected by climate change, a problem caused by them, poor countries suffer the consequences. As such, we must change our mindset, and think about the people we are affecting. Because that is the goal of environmental justice.
