Shaming those who can do something about global warming will not work, because they have no shame, because they can’t see the wrong in what they’re doing.
I agree with Martin Wolf that “we need to shift the world on to a different investment and growth path right now”. I agree rich countries who caused the problem need to pay. The redistribution of wealth to “countries that matter for the solution” needs to happen. But I doubt very much if it will.
The wealthiest individuals, in the wealthiest economies, are like the character Sydney Stanton, the hobbled billionaire in 1950’s sci-fi film When Worlds Collide (1951). He thinks his wealth guarantees him a seat on the ark, it doesn’t, it only give him the opportunity to build one.
Think about this for a moment. The 1000 richest people in the United Kingdom increased their wealth by 184 per cent in the ten years that have accompanied austerity. They accrued £468 billion on top of the £256 billion they already had, while the rest of the population experienced the worst decline in living standards in a generation.
They no doubt accumulated this wealth by working hard, making shrewd investments, and leading successful businesses. They also managed to convince successive neoliberal governments to decreased their tax liability.
£468 billion could do a lot of good. Why isn’t it? Because trying to shame the Stanton’s of the world into changing their ways is like eating glass. The only person with a lacerated tongue is you. “You did it to yourself.” Shaming them will not work.
They still think they can buy a seat on the ark, and a way out of the apocalypse.
Darrin // Nightingale 