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Planet: Critical

Climate Violence | Peter Schwartzstein

Jan 30, 2025
Peter Schwartzstein, an environmental journalist and author of "The Heat and the Fury," dives into the alarming correlation between climate change and violence. He discusses how vulnerable communities become hotspots for violence due to climate-induced stresses and governance failures. Schwartzstein also explores the psychological impact of environmental degradation, introducing the term 'solastalgia.' He warns that feelings of abandonment might provoke unrest even in stable democracies, as mental health and identity are increasingly tied to our changing planet.
57:25

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Quick takeaways

  • Climate change exacerbates violence in vulnerable communities due to governmental failures in meeting public expectations for essential resources.
  • Psychological effects of climate change, including isolation and despair, lead individuals to irrational behaviors and increased susceptibility to violence.

Deep dives

Public Expectations and State Capacity

A significant contributor to climate-related violence arises from the disparity between public expectations of governmental services and the state's ability to fulfill those expectations. When essential resources like food, water, and sanitation decline, dissatisfaction among citizens surges. Wealthier nations, particularly in Europe, tend to have high expectations of their states, and if governments fail to meet these demands in times of climate stress, the resulting public unrest may fuel support for extremist parties. Such parties often exploit these complexities, providing simplistic narratives to gain political leverage in a rapidly changing climate landscape.

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