SG - Why Trump is Good for Climate Change

President Donald J. Trump’s war on climate change – from dismantling air quality laws, dissolving research centers, all the way down to prohibiting the use of the term itself – is a primary cause of distress among the global environmental community. And yet, there are valuable lessons that we can learn from Trump’s efforts to construct a reality in which climate change does not exist. He identifies what we have, and what we need to protect. He shines a spotlight on those who want to maintain the status quo, and whom we need to resist. And he dissolves our hope that there will be a saviour, making us realise how we need to prepare for an uncertain future. Used as an analytical lens, Trump drains the swamp of neo-liberal narratives around climate protection and helps us recognise the nature of the challenges and solutions that we face. 

It seems difficult to not become pessimistic in times of an unfolding climate disaster and geopolitical crisis. As our attention is drawn to conflict, war and imperialism, concerns for the climate seem to diminish and the 1.5C degree target is steadily moving out of reach. Where do we draw hope from in such desperate times? Join us to explore different strategies and sources of inspiration for bridging pessimism and hope to build a more sustainable future.