This document provides a comprehensive summary of "The Long Heat: Climate Politics When It’s Too Late" by Andreas Malm and Wim Carton. The book delves into the complex and often frustrating landscape of climate politics, particularly in the context of a world where significant climate change is already underway. It critiques existing approaches, explores the limitations of incrementalism, and proposes a more radical and urgent response to the climate crisis. This summary aims to capture the key arguments, concepts, and proposals presented in the book, offering a valuable overview for anyone interested in understanding the challenges and potential pathways forward in the age of irreversible climate change.
The Reality of "Too Late"
Malm and Carton begin by confronting the uncomfortable truth that, in many respects, it is already "too late" to prevent significant climate change. The book doesn't suggest that all hope is lost, but rather that the window for purely preventative action has largely closed. The authors argue that decades of inaction and insufficient measures have resulted in a world where the impacts of climate change are already being felt, and will continue to intensify regardless of future emissions reductions. This reality necessitates a shift in focus from solely preventing climate change to also adapting to and mitigating its consequences.
The concept of "too late" is not presented as a static endpoint, but rather as a dynamic and evolving condition. The authors emphasize that the degree to which it is "too late" depends on the specific impacts being considered, the vulnerabilities of different populations, and the effectiveness of adaptation measures. Furthermore, they stress that the future is not predetermined, and that decisive action can still significantly alter the trajectory of climate change and its effects.
Critiquing Incrementalism and Gradualism
A central theme of "The Long Heat" is a critique of incrementalism and gradualism in climate policy. The authors argue that these approaches, which prioritize gradual emissions reductions and market-based solutions, have proven woefully inadequate in addressing the scale and urgency of the climate crisis. They contend that incrementalism is often driven by political expediency and the desire to avoid disrupting existing economic structures, rather than by a genuine commitment to climate action.
Malm and Carton point to the historical record of climate negotiations and policy implementation as evidence of the failures of incrementalism. They highlight the persistent gap between stated goals and actual emissions reductions, as well as the tendency for governments to prioritize short-term economic interests over long-term climate goals. The authors argue that a more radical and transformative approach is needed to break free from this pattern of inadequate action.
The Need for Emergency Measures
In light of the limitations of incrementalism, "The Long Heat" advocates for the adoption of emergency measures to rapidly reduce emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The authors draw parallels to wartime mobilization, arguing that the climate crisis demands a similar level of urgency and collective action.
They propose a range of potential emergency measures, including:
Rapid decarbonization of the energy sector: This would involve phasing out fossil fuels as quickly as possible and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Large-scale deployment of carbon capture and storage technologies: While acknowledging the limitations and potential risks of these technologies, the authors argue that they may be necessary to remove existing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Geoengineering: The book explores the controversial topic of geoengineering, acknowledging the potential risks and ethical concerns, but also suggesting that it may be necessary as a last resort to prevent catastrophic climate change.
Rationing and demand reduction: The authors argue that reducing overall consumption, particularly in wealthy countries, is essential to achieving rapid emissions reductions.
The Politics of Climate Action
"The Long Heat" also delves into the political dimensions of climate action, exploring the obstacles and opportunities for transformative change. The authors emphasize the importance of building broad-based social movements to demand climate action and challenge the power of vested interests.
They critique the tendency for climate politics to be dominated by elites and technocrats, arguing that a more democratic and participatory approach is needed to ensure that climate policies are just and equitable. The authors also highlight the importance of addressing the social and economic inequalities that exacerbate vulnerability to climate change.
The book examines the role of various actors in climate politics, including governments, corporations, NGOs, and social movements. It analyzes the strategies and tactics employed by these actors, and assesses their effectiveness in advancing or hindering climate action.
Adaptation and Resilience
While emphasizing the need for rapid emissions reductions, "The Long Heat" also recognizes the importance of adaptation measures to cope with the impacts of climate change that are already being felt. The authors argue that adaptation should not be seen as a substitute for mitigation, but rather as a complementary strategy.
They explore a range of adaptation measures, including:
Building resilient infrastructure: This involves designing and constructing infrastructure that can withstand the impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and droughts.
Developing climate-resilient agriculture: This involves adopting farming practices that are better adapted to changing climate conditions, such as drought-resistant crops and water conservation techniques.
Protecting and restoring ecosystems: The authors emphasize the importance of protecting and restoring natural ecosystems, such as forests and wetlands, which can provide valuable ecosystem services, such as flood control and carbon sequestration.
Relocation and managed retreat: In some cases, the authors argue that it may be necessary to relocate communities away from areas that are highly vulnerable to climate change.
"The Long Heat" is ultimately a call for radical action to address the climate crisis. The authors argue that the scale and urgency of the problem demand a fundamental transformation of our economic and political systems. They reject the notion that incrementalism and market-based solutions are sufficient, and instead advocate for a more ambitious and transformative approach.
The book is not without its critics, who argue that its proposals are unrealistic or politically infeasible. However, "The Long Heat" provides a valuable contribution to the climate debate by challenging conventional wisdom and forcing readers to confront the uncomfortable realities of a world where significant climate change is already underway. It serves as a powerful reminder that the time for half-measures is over, and that bold and decisive action is needed to avert the worst consequences of the climate crisis.
Are you ready to delve deeper into the urgent and complex world of climate politics? "The Long Heat: Climate Politics When It’s Too Late" by Andreas Malm and Wim Carton is a must-read for anyone seeking a critical and insightful analysis of the challenges and potential pathways forward in the age of irreversible climate change. This book offers a compelling critique of incrementalism, advocates for emergency measures, and explores the political dimensions of climate action. Don't miss out on this essential contribution to the climate debate. Order your copy of "The Long Heat" today and join the conversation about how we can build a more sustainable and resilient future. Available at all major book retailers and online platforms.