The Moral Dimensions of Climate Change

Is climate change a moral issue? We know that Al Gore thinks so. Former Clinton administration climate negotiator Don Brown expanded upon this idea at a panel on ethics at the UN Commission on Sustainable Development sponsored by the Baha'i faith. In his eleven minute presentation, Brown, now at Penn State, notes that abstract claims about the moral and ethical dimensions of climate change aren't particularly helpful. He then lays out eight elements of the climate challenge with profound moral and ethical implications, including acceptable levels of greenhouse gas emissions, cost-benefit analysis of the effects of global warming, and the choice to wait for more robust technology.

Brown's presentation combines passion, intellectual depth, and a moving call to action. It's well worth watching... and discussing.

From his close: Let me just conclude by the following. Bill McKibben, who’s a wonderful writer, about six years ago wrote an op-ed piece in New York Times and he said the following:

I’m sitting here wondering why Americans don’t see climate change as a moral and ethical issue. It makes me think of my parents, who were really good people but did not get civil rights until they saw the dogs on the bridge in Selma, Alabama.

(Police used German Shepherd dogs to quell protesters during the American civil rights movement)

He went on to say, “it’s all of our duties, it’s all of our duties to help people see the moral and ethical dimensions of climate change.” Especially those of us that understand the problem. We have a particular duty, in my view to get people to see the moral and ethical dimensions of this problem.

The challenge is, what are the dogs on the bridge for this problem that we can help get other people to see.
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