Climate change is intensifying, which means reducing carbon emissions is an urgent priority. As illustrated by some of the stories we highlight below, that is going to require some pretty significant changes in how we define “normal.” For one thing, we will have to reimagine travel, and our expectation of how long it takes to get places. We will also need to reimagine where exactly our population centers should be, so that they are nearer to natural resources that are more insulated from the most extreme climate conditions. And we will need to reimagine Democratic Party politics — and demand that blue states use their power to lead the climate battle.
The Great Lakes states that are and will be more tolerable as winter subsides with climate change are still under pressures that may make them less sustainable and put everyone, everywhere at risk. Water is becoming like oil and some "think tanks" and private concerns are advocating new pipelines to carry water where there is little to none. These pipelines, of course, will dwarf water consumption promoted through bottled water and entities like Nestle. Is water a right or a product for the highest bidder? Do Great Lakes states have an "indigenous" interest in protecting it and can they become the "Saudi Arabia or OPEC" for the nation and benefit as has Alaska residents from oil? Can Western and parched Midwestern and Southern states use ocean water or mitigate growth in water consumption? Will market forces encourage sustainable use or foster more irresponsible growth? Are markets even a solution? Lots of questions and while I may not be here to see the answers by the time that occurs and even now the answers don't seem to be favorable. Cultural change is hard and often without severe disruption. And our political system is designed to promote stability and the status quo. Corporate power is indisputable. Hence, the trends toward privatization and market ($$$) solutions are likely to prevail as are grandiose plans rather than more localized solutions. Even now, the G7 nations are promoting some laudable goals for climate and the economy. Yet, the approach seems rooted in competition not cooperation and on the continued status quo created by the British Empire and its American successor. Resistance to change and cooperation with China and others seems to be the strategy, rooted in racism and capitalist dominance employing a Western created financial structure and a military reliance failing to adapt or be useful in meeting changing conditions. If history is a teacher then the future will be full of conflict. We have a chance to change and work toward viable solutions for the world. At present our systems don't seem up to the task.