Undoubtably climate is changing and the consequences will horrendous for some and probably difficult for most. There are a number of alternatives that could result in rapid improvements. Firstly the cost on climate hazards such as fires, drought, floods, storms and blizzards becomes so expensive that it is impractical for insurance companies to cover the costs. There are already moves in this direction regarding floods in the UK and erosion by the sea in places.
Secondly innovation by companies such as Tesla will provide HGV’s that run on electricity or hydrogen. This could also apply to planes. Buildings will become more efficient. The working from home situation will continue. Possibly a move back to mixed farming in countries with climates like the UK. So the main sources of carbon emissions should be halted fairly rapidly once there is a financial incentive for companies like Tesla to innovate.
Thirdly we will need to see the world population growth halt and reverse as is happening in most of the western world. This should then result in the unsustainable growth at all costs model of economics coming to a halt. Efficiency and profit will still be important but not the need for it to grow all the time. Quality of life is gradually being recognised as important. There will therefore need to be a new form of shareholding that cannot sell out to the highest bidder (Morrison’s). I think greed needs to be erased from the economic model. Greed that increases profits by making good workers redundant to provide ever bigger dividends for shareholders. Of course inefficient pursuits should be allowed to fold if necessary and obsolete factories closed down. The city of London and stock markets around the world will need to reform.
This in turn will mean that consumers will have to spend more on quality products. This will also mean changes in housing costs. Just imagine what would happen if the population of the UK gradually fell by 25% (which is likely long term). As housing became more plentiful vis-a-vie the market the price would drop. Mortgages would be cheaper and people would have more to spend on quality products (thus less wastage). Obsolete housing stock (much of it recent) could be demolished and land restored to what wildlife survives this last great extinction! A start could be made with fixing rents and increasing taxes on second homes.
I am getting into this! If people buying houses to rent or for second homes find their profitability has disappeared they will need to look else where for a return on their money – innovation will be one way, and entertainment and leisure pursuits another.
All of this will not happen in a bubble and I suspect that the Western half of the EU will take the lead. America will then catch up very quickly, and China will see the possibilities too.
So – as I have solved the problems of the west we move to Africa. The only growth available for companies would become the poorer countries where their investments would increase the standard of living and reduce birth rates. Countries that discriminate against any individual for what ever reason would face trade sanctions. We should stop trade with Saudi Arabia, etc. immediately. Countries with anti-gay policies, or those which diminish the rights of women or minorities would also be barred from trading with us. Contraception would be promoted and free. The one big stumbling block is religion. Until people have a decent standard of living they will need the crutch of the next life/world being better they will cling on to ancient and obsolete beliefs. This in turn leads to the development of tribalism such as Catholics vs Protestants in NI, Sunni vs Shia in the Middle East, Jews, Hindu’s , Sikh’s etc. all developing tribal like dogmas and behaving like spoilt children at a party after too much sugar.
Another medical breakthrough might be needed to destroy the ‘killer’ gene. What is it that enables someone to kill another? I suspect the answer is related to wealth and the quality of life. In general rich people do not go around killing people due to the selfish reason that they have too much to lose! So the answer to world violence is blindingly obvious – enable everyone to have a good standard of living and violence will be reduced. I think I might have given my brother a Glasgow kiss when I was about 11/12 so I did not know better. I have not swung an arm at anyone since.
Why do some people get so angry is beyond me! Even stamping my foot is an unavailable response for me.