Faithful Politics The Limits of Progress: Roy Scranton on Climate, Collapse, and Moral Clarity
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Aug 16, 2025 Roy Scranton, a writer and former U.S. Army soldier, dives deep into the philosophical complexities of climate change. He challenges the optimistic narratives surrounding progress and innovation, arguing they may hinder genuine action. Reflecting on his military experiences in Iraq, he emphasizes the importance of confronting harsh realities with compassion and honesty. Scranton advocates for ethical responses to our environmental crisis, urging listeners to find meaning in a collapsing world rather than solely focusing on salvation.
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Progress Narrative Is Breaking
- Climate change exposes the limits of our cultural narrative of progress and omnipotence.
- That narrative cannot reliably carry us through the radical systemic changes climate disruption will force.
Late Emissions Closed Many Exit Ramps
- Over half of historical greenhouse gas emissions occurred after climate risks were widely known.
- That late emission load makes realistic political exits to safety much harder and negative emissions essential but unavailable at scale.
Progress Is Built Into Institutions
- Progress isn't only a story but embedded in our institutions like credit and growth-dependent capitalism.
- Those structures push societies toward continued extraction and optimism even when harms accumulate.
