Even Climate Is An Economic Issue

These last couple of weeks have been a climate nightmare for many as we continue to deal with the effects of global warming. We saw wildfires in Maui destroy the entire city of Lahaina, parts of Canada continuing to suffer from fires, tropical storms hitting Southern California, excessive heat warnings in an unprecedented number of states, and now hurricanes hitting the Gulf Coast and wreaking havoc in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. The unprecedented heat over months has worn out many people, and the blame for much of what we’re experiencing sits at our own feet. We are warming the planet. 

I listened to a story this weekend on NPR about climate change and its effects. One of the scientists interviewed said two things that have stuck with me: 1) This may wind up being the coolest summer over the years to come, and  2) most people other than the fairly wealthy will not be able to shield themselves from global warming’s effects as time moves along, and the very people who stand to make the most money and shield themselves are the largest culprits in contributing to global warming. 

I immediately wondered why everything goes back to economics and resulting injustices. Why are decisions made around finances the drivers of so many injustices? Have we created a world where wealthy nations and people do so much harm and then protect ourselves from the consequences of our actions while nations and people with less suffer the consequences? Will our economy and those who benefit most from it be the demise of many in our world? Will the wealthy slowly eradicate the poor? 

Here is the thing: there are workers who don’t live in communities with tree-lined streets and who cannot afford air conditioners, yet they work for companies that are warming the planet. These workers are completely unable to protect themselves, yet the executives and CEOs making money off of their labor are secure. 

I know I must sound like the Hebrew prophet Habakkuk asking God, “Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Justice never prevails!” 

There doesn’t seem to be all that much we can do as individuals to change the climate reality we’re dealing with currently, but we can certainly begin to change economic realities for future generations. We can spread resources to help handle the difficulties ahead for us as weather patterns rip the life from so many people. 

I believe that we can change the economic climate faster if we can begin to correct the patterns of old. Correcting patterns of old looks like building a diverse infrastructure that includes leaders who come from the places historically denied resources. This would create dynamic ways to connect to communities and build deeper trust. In my opinion, it would help money flow to places where it has been lacking for so long. To steal a phrase, “for us with us.”

We can, as Habakkuk declares (with a little Leroy addition), “write the vision of a just economy so that those who read it can run with it and see justice prevail.” I don’t think it’s too late if we start writing that vision now.