Climate Change is not Cheap

There is nothing much more important at the moment than climate change. Whilst there are many other things on the radar,, many of them with a sense of urgency, they become somewhat meaningless if the planet is in disarray.

Other issues such as the affordability crisis, a lack of housing, low income, global political instability, political and climate refugees are all crucially important issues requiring immediate attention. Nevertheless, without an eye on the future, these things will become increasingly embroiled in a sea of perilous uncertainty.

For the householder struggling to make ends meet spending on efficiencies and sustainable practices may seem impractical. For a government or an organisation trying to support growth and stability and longevity spending money on the future might be seen as not being true to the present.

The fact of the matter, however, is more complicated, and climate change is indeed a wicked problem. Without one eye to the future, we are threatening our own longevity and the longevity of our children.

Saving and ring fencing funds is an essential responsibility for the future, and this responsibility most strongly resides in government and in institutions/organisations. Not all households are able to devote time and resources to sustainable practices. Where households can, they should. But that aside, government and organisations need to take the lead, even supporting individuals who are otherwise unable to do so.

Addressing climate change needs money. The money it needs is not just for one off highly profile Events or products but substantive and ongoing funds to support the building of infrastructure to address climate change in a systematic way. This is especially important in the field of education, where young people, who will bear the brunt of climate change need to be equipped to deal with circumstances. A recent study conducted showed that young people wanted two things: one). To understand where the problems of climate change were; two) to understand what the proposed and viable solutions are to the problems.

This is exactly where we want our young people to be although of course it would be better if it were not another fine mess we've got ourselves into.

Government, organisations, institutions and businesses need to align themselves with agencies that are working on shoe strings to prepare young people for their futures. Unfortunately, many of them feel ill-equipped and powerless. Sustainability initiatives need to reconnect young people with nature so as to engage them in the world which will otherwise come to cause a problem. In addition to this, we need to reengage young people with politics, something that they have become disenchanted with, especially after global politics has experienced instability and leaders who have become undermined by their own poor behaviour.

Political well as a renewable resource is something we need to imbue children with, four in developed Western economies at least, political action is the strongest weapon they can exercise in addressing climate change. It's also essential to compel politicians to engage with young people directly to restore their faith in political process.