The Values

Sometimes it seems obvious what we 'ought' to do about climate change, but so few respond to this apparent 'ought' that we have to consider all manner of other ethical perspectives. I often reflect on these questions in the form of notes or sometimes formal letters, messages to a hypothetical great-great-great grand-daughter living in the 22nd century. Here's a short sample

Ethical puzzles: Doing the right and wrong things. 2004 (doc)

In recent years I have been troubled by the tendency to treat Climate Change as merely one of many problems we need to solve. This is well-reflected by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which have become a touchstone for demonstrating a humane and enlightened approach to international development. I regard them as an infraction of intergenerational equity, but get no thanks for my surly views! See my comments

Remarks on the UNSDGs

I have sometimes used 'Sweden' (in inverted commas) as a metaphor for the ultimate neo-Holocene state where all humanity has achieved a secure and prosperous life -- a state for which the Scandinavian countries have long served as a stereotype.  This is the presentation form of a lecture given in the real Sweden, to discuss ethical issues and persuade Swedes that they could show the rest of the world how to do it. They are of course laughingly deprecating about their country, and insist that these days Denmark is the poster-nation for contemporary ethical balance.

Getting through to 'Sweden' 2006 (ppt)

This presentation argues that a 'strong' stand on climate policy arises from ordinary values that most people claim to have, but do not act upon.

Climate Change and Everyday Values 2010 (ppt)

Puzzlement about why 'ordinary values' are not enough to provoke even meaningful debate, let alone resolute action, can easily lead to despair, reflected in this note

Is it time to give up? 2012 (doc)

Further explorations of despair are found in this pair of items, a public lecture and some notes to go with it:

Good Grief! The Next Fifty Years 2012 (ppt)

Good Grief: Notes 2012 (doc)

In retrospect it is possible these gloomy views arose from the rude dashing of the high hopes of 2008, before the Copenhagen debacle, and before 'Climategate' showed how desperate was the vast majority for even the flimsiest justification for denialism.  But that even bien pensant opinion is reluctant to engage, remains a paradox:

The Giddens Paradox 2012 (docx)