The LRB Podcast
Have we surrendered to climate breakdown?
Feb 12, 2025
Brett Christophers, a Professor of Human Geography at Uppsala University and author of 'The Price is Wrong,' discusses the alarming shift in climate action from proactive policies to resignation. He critiques traditional economic theories linked to environmental issues and highlights the paradox of fossil fuel companies amidst climate change. The impact of COVID on emissions, the pitfalls of corporate solutions, and the importance of grassroots activism, especially in cases like Ecuador's referendum against oil exploitation, are also examined.
50:26
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Quick takeaways
- The shift from active climate policymaking to a resignation in addressing climate change highlights the insufficient corporate commitment to sustainability.
- China's dual role as a leader in renewable energy and a major coal consumer illustrates the complexities in achieving global climate goals.
Deep dives
The Concept of Stranded Assets
Stranded assets refer to fossil fuel reserves that cannot be extracted without exacerbating climate change, primarily discussed in relation to a significant 2013 Carbon Tracker report. The idea posits that to meet global temperature limits, a substantial portion of known oil, gas, and coal reserves must remain untapped, often estimated at 75-80% of total reserves. The discussion highlights how climate activists have advocated for keeping fossil fuels in the ground as essential to mitigating climate change. This concept underscores the conflict between economic valuation of fossil fuel companies and the urgent need for environmental sustainability.
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