In this discussion, Sarah Maslin, a writer for The Economist focusing on South America, delves into the alarming findings of the latest IPCC report, emphasizing the urgent need for climate action. She explores the interconnectedness of climate change and political instability in Bolivia, particularly following the contentious 2019 elections. Maslin also touches on the emotional weariness of Bolivians seeking real solutions amidst political chaos and debunks the myth surrounding the difficulty of writing a second novel, revealing the surprising reception statistics.
The UN climate body’s latest doorstopper report is unequivocal: climate change is human-caused, and already here—and 1.5°C of warming is looking ever harder to avoid. In Bolivia, debate still rages as to whether a 2019 election was rigged, or a coup; the people want pandemic relief, not paralysed politics. And investigating the received wisdom of the “difficult second novel”.