Europe : A Green Future Ahead ?

As summer runs into winter and the infamous New York « fall” ceases to exist, the question of climate change rears its head once more. Tackling climate change has been the subject of much debate and unfortunately many failed promises among world leaders in recent years. However, the problem is not going away. As carbon emissions in the EU increase year on year, and the global temperature rises menacingly, this question cannot be avoided. The rise of climate-change denial in tandem with the fervid growth of euroskepticism only adds fuel to this fire. According to Adelphi, 21 right-wing populist parties across Europe categorically deny or are doubtful of the scientific consensus on that climate change is the result of human activity and industry.

As we move forward how do we reconcile the growing presence of European climate change deniers with the EU’s obligation to set an example for the world in tackling this meteorological problem ? What is the role of the EU in tackling climate change and what is being done to combat it currently ? At what level is it most efficient and realistic to effect change in climate policy (local, national, European) ? How can the EU tackle the problem of climate change being an “elitist issue” as Schaller and Carius describe it ? What parallels can we draw between populist movements such as the ‘gilet jaunes’ and the rise in climate-change denial ? Finally, as the largest producer of carbon emissions in the world, what is China’s role in tackling this issue on the world stage ?

This Wednesday at 8pm, join us in 607 Hamilton Hall to discuss Europe’s place in the fight against climate change.

European Wednesdays Second Series | Seventh Session
A student-led weekly debate. No debate experience or political background is necessary, we encourage walk-ins, and we value diversity of perspectives.
Co-organized by Columbia European Society and GEG Columbia (a chapter of Groupe d’Études Géopolitiques).