New York Times Columnist David Wallace-Wells: In Conversation on EvC
Dec 10, 2024
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David Wallace-Wells, a columnist for The New York Times and author of the bestseller "The Uninhabitable Earth," joins for a thought-provoking discussion. They explore the potential fallout from the recent U.S. election on climate policy and shifting global dynamics. Wallace-Wells analyzes the state of climate activism, the perils of communicating climate risks without causing alarm, and highlights Chinaโs pivotal role in green technology. They also answer listener questions, diving into the intricacies of air pollution and the need for innovative climate solutions.
The podcast discusses the implications of the recent U.S. election on climate politics, noting a potential backlash against progressive policies despite Democratic successes.
David Wallace-Wells highlights the global decline in urgency for climate action, particularly post-election, emphasizing a lack of attendance from leaders at major climate conferences.
The conversation underscores the complexities of U.S. energy policy, suggesting bipartisan alignment on clean energy initiatives, particularly shaped by the Inflation Reduction Act.
Deep dives
Post-Election Reflections on U.S. Climate Politics
The podcast addresses the post-U.S. election landscape and its implications for climate politics, underlining that climate issues were largely sidelined in the electoral debate. David Wallace-Wells emphasizes the historical context of political dominance by Democrats, suggesting a potential backlash as voters express dissatisfaction with the current direction. He notes that despite the Democratic electoral successes, recent election outcomes indicate a shift, with indications of a challenging political climate for progressive policies. This backdrop sets the stage for discussions on the future of U.S. climate policy and the potential emergence of what is referred to as a 'green lash.'
The Global Context of Climate Action
The conversation highlights a global decrease in the urgency surrounding climate action, particularly post-election, where climate concerns have taken a back seat in political discourse. Wallace-Wells points to a lack of attendance from key global leaders at climate conferences like COP, indicating that climate politics may be deprioritized in several wealthy nations. He also draws attention to the substantive progress made in clean energy technology, despite the apparent slowdown in activism. This duality of ongoing market-driven decarbonization efforts alongside diminishing political urgency is prominently featured.
Political Alignments and Energy Policy
The dialogue examines the complexities of U.S. energy production and its implications for future climate policy, noting the significant bipartisan alignment on certain energy strategies despite partisan divides. Wallace-Wells suggests that the Inflation Reduction Act has shaped a new landscape in which funding for clean energy initiatives is directed, particularly into Republican districts. This development indicates a softening of climate hostility previously observed among conservatives, leading to a potential policy convergence between the parties. The focus on an 'all of the above' energy approach is identified as crucial for future discussions on energy and climate strategies.
The Role of Climate Alarmism
The impact of climate alarmism on public perception and policymaking is scrutinized, with both hosts discussing whether alarmist messaging has backfired or effectively raised awareness. They acknowledge a complex relationship between climate advocacy and public engagement, noting a potential normalization of climate crises that may reduce urgency for action. Wallace-Wells mentions the shifting landscape of public concern about climate change, suggesting that past alarmist narratives may have inadvertently dulled public shock to ongoing events. This normalization presents challenges for future activism, as the critical need for faster climate action may not be perceived with the same level of immediacy.
Future Outlook for Climate Action and Leadership
The discussion culminates in speculation about the future trajectory of climate action in the context of shifting global power dynamics, particularly focusing on Chinaโs rising influence in clean energy technologies. There's a recognition that while U.S. leadership in climate action may be diminished, there remains potential for international cooperation, particularly in developing technologies for decarbonization. Wallace-Wells expresses concern about how the normalization of climate impacts might hinder motivation for radical action against climate change. This highlights the importance of ongoing dialogue about the balance between adaptation strategies and the need to aggressively pursue decarbonization.
๐ฟ๐๐ซ๐๐ & ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฉ ๐ฌ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ-๐จ๐๐ก๐ก๐๐ฃ๐ ๐จ๐๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ ๐ฌ๐ง๐๐ฉ๐๐ง ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐จ๐ฉ ๐ฟ๐๐ซ๐๐ ๐๐๐ก๐ก๐๐๐-๐๐๐ก๐ก๐จ. It's a wide-ranging discussion covering everything from the potential fallout of the US election, shifting global interests and priorities, climate activism, China's role in climate and green energy technology, and as usual - listener questions for our guest.
About Our Guest: David Wallace-Wells is currently a columnist and staff writer at The New York Times, where he writes a weekly newsletter on climate change, technology, the future of the planet and how we live on it. He was previously the Deputy Editor at New YorkMagazine, where he also wrote a column on climate change, including the cover story, โThe Uninhabitable Earth,โ which was expanded into a New York Times bestselling book with the same title.
About Your Hosts: David Keith is Professor and Founding Faculty Director, Climate Systems Engineering Initiative at the University of Chicago. He is the founder of Carbon Engineering and was formerly a professor at Harvard University and the University of Calgary. He splits his time between Canmore and Chicago.
Sara Hastings-Simon studies energy transitions at the intersection of policy, business, and technology. Sheโs a policy wonk, a physicist turned management consultant, and a professor at the University of Calgary and Director of the Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Development.
Ed Whittingham is a clean energy policy/finance professional specializing in renewable electricity generation and transmission, carbon capture, carbon removal and low carbon transportation. He is a Public Policy Forum fellow and formerly the executive director of the Pembina Institute, a national clean energy think tank.
