Good essay about climate change in sociology

In the recent decade, global climate change became one of the widely accepted social problems. Also called the greenhouse effect or global warming, climate change is an increase in mean global temperatures because of the release of greenhouse gasses produced by human activities (Redclift, 1994, 2). The awareness of global warming as a threat reinforced the public’s concern on environmental problems and therefore provided environmental scientists, activists and policy-makers with a new momentum in their dire efforts to ensure promotion of environmental protection. It is not surprising that opponents of these efforts have mobilized themselves in recent years mounting intense opposition to the calls for international action in order to prevent global warming (Redclift, 1994, 3). Examples of some of these calls include treaties designed to bring down emission of carbon dioxide.
Since the early 1990’s, scientists have been studying how social and political forces facilitate global warming as a legitimate social problem. Early news reports on global warming relied upon scientists as the source. Over time, political and social specialists have edged out the scientists as the dominant sources in the news reports (Redclift, 1994, 45). With this shift in the source, the media altered the people’s focus from reports concerning global warming to reports about policy debates about treaties and regulations. Counterclaims also started to emerge around the same time and a growing concern over the economic cost of the Bush administration and the economic cost of binding action. Support of global warming’s reality was higher in news reports than in the opinion articles where the few key scientists in the world skeptical of climate change science flourished, therefore, making it a social problem.
Humankind is faced with an urgent need to confront global warming because, at the same time, conventional sources of fossil fuels are almost at their end. In the past, the concerns of sociologists were the solving of social problems using social science and natural tools (Redclift, 1994, 66). Instead of disregarding these foundational works of the discipline, they should be reviewed in light of the world’s current needs.
Climate change makes women and children vulnerable especially because of the ailments brought about by global warming such as skin cancer (Redclift, 1994, 65). In addition, the malnourishment brought by decrease in food supply caused by global warming would cause many deaths. The feminism theory can be applied to help curb global warming. The theory analyzes the status of women in the society with the main purpose of the knowledge being to better women’s lives. Feminist author Catherine Macaulay built on the conceptualization of women’s education especially and education on humankind (Redclift, 1994, 65). Educating women on global warming and its consequences can play a role in reducing this social problem.
John Mill, an anthropocentric political writer, came up with the utilitarian theory. He believed that the only purpose for one can exercise power can be rightfully carried out on any member of the community against their will is only to prevent them from harming others. His benefits, moral or physical are not enough warrant (Redclift, 1994, 70). In the documentary “ Climate of Doubt”, the dirty politicians hire fake experts to deny global warming in order to make people vote them into power. These politicians put their interests before the citizen’s needs.
Global warming exists and at such high levels because of greed by people according the rational choice theory (Redclift, 1994, 83). This theory explains that economics plays an important role in people’s behavior. People are motivated by the thought of making money and profits. People tend to calculate the possible costs and benefits before making decisions (Redclift, 1994, 83). They, therefore, are not concerned by the consequences of global warming. This line of thought is called the rational choice theory.

Conclusion

Is a part of the mitigation measures, policy makers should consider the long-term effects of climate changes when deciding on the policies they make? The business community should include our rights as they plan their economic development, which would involve global warming (Redclift, 1994, 211). The annex one countries should comply with the Kyoto Protocol and do all they can in order to shift their systems into low-carbon systems as opposed to relying on the systems that increase their emissions. In addition, the principles of common responsibilities, social justice, sustainable development and equity should remain the key principles in negotiations involving climate change (Redclift, 1994, 212). Human rights approach base, and the ecosystem approach to development ought to be used in guiding the implementation of regional, national and global climate projects and policies.

References

Redclift, M. R., & Benton, T. (1994). Social theory and the global environment. London: Routledge.