Abstract
Schwartzman (2014) observes that the existing biodiversity and human civilization have been grossly affected by catastrophic climate change (3that Cs). The review begins by noting that an effective prevention program is necessary to avoid the impending threat of climate change. In other words, threats associated with climthe ate change are inevitable.
Global pandemic and nuclear war also pose similar threats to humanity, although they are not inevitable as it is the case with catastrophic climate change. Past studies confirm that the human race has continued to burn the fossil fuel reserves with impunity. The study goes on to illustrate withthat governments across the globe and especially major emitters of toxic gases have not demonstrated firm commitment to cut down their emission quarters.
The author inquires if there is sufficient time left to avoid environmental threats posed by climate change. The available opportunity to reduce harmful emissions is gradually narrowing down according to estimates provided by climate scientists. Within a period of five to ten years, the world might begin to experience irreversible climate change with a definite rise of 2 degrees centigrade of global temperature.
A similar estimate has been provided by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The author suggests that major emitters of greenhouse gases can opt for clean energy sources such as solar, wind, or hydro power instead of transforming global economies from capitalism to socialism.
Evaluation
The author seeks to explore whether zero economic growth is the best solution for catastrophic climate change that seems to endanger biodiversity.
Schwartzman (2014) objects the idea that the world should divert from capitalistic to socialist economy in order to minimise environmental threats posed by greenhouse gas emission into the atmosphere. The author argues that it is not technically achievable to lower the expected temperature rise if the current emission quotas are not checked.
The article is constructed around literature reviews of both past and current studies on catastrophic climate change. For example, the 2012 World Energy Outlook report proposed a significant reduction in the consumption of fossil fuels if the five-year emission target is to be achieved. The ability of the global society to attain ecological sustainability will be largely determined by governments if they are willing to use alternative sources of energy.
The author in conjunction with a team of other researchers used a modelling study to illustrate the fact approximately 2 percent of global energy is currently being deployed in the generation of wind and solar power. A number of secondary research studies have also been used to support research findings of the model.
Transnational political power is probably a major stumbling block in the realisation of emission goals. Schwartzman (2014) reiterates that the inevitability of dangerous change in climate should not be accepted at all because there are unlimited options for reducing threats associated environmental pollution.
From the above analysis, it is indeed evident that the author has remained objective and sound throughout the article. He has done his job well especially by incorporating both primary and secondary research. Both sides of the argument have been presented by the author with the aim of shedding light on the issue at hand. Second, the author has highlighted and discussed the pros and cons of proposals made by the green energy revolution.
However, there is still some gap in the review study. Most of the pieces of evidence presented by the author in the article are past theoretical studies. A study of this magnitude demands some raw quantitative data that can be used to substantiate arguments and assertions. There are no graphs or pictures used in the article. However, they may not be necessary for this type of a review.
Nonetheless, I agree with the author since he has offered practical solutions for reducing greenhouse emission without necessarily resorting to zero economic growth.
Reference
Schwartzman, D. (2014). Is zero economic growth necessary to prevent climate catastrophe? Science & Society, 78(2), 235-240.