In today’s world, the urgency to combat the climate crisis has brought discussions about effective approaches to the forefront. On Tuesday, June 6, 2023, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) participated in a summit organized by ClientEarth. The summit tagged: Technology Vs System Change – Can Technology Tackle the Climate Crisis brought together climate experts to explore whether tech fixes alone can effectively address the challenges of climate change or if broader transformations of the world’s economic and social systems are required.
While some proponents of technological advancement argue that society can innovate its way to a greener world by reducing emissions and protecting nature through better technology, climate justice advocates argue for a more nuanced approach and solutions model that permeate economic value chains and inspire deep societal-level and lifestyle shifts.
At the summit, a panel consisting of climate action advocates, including Aderonke Ige from CAPPA, Dr. Tina Fawcett from the University of Oxford, and Ketan Joshi, a writer and analyst specializing in clean energy and climate change delved into fundamental conversations surrounding technological solutions versus systemic change in dealing with the impacts of climate change. The concept of climate justice took centre stage as the panel emphasized the importance of ensuring that vulnerable communities impacted greatly by climate change benefit from technological decisions. This is important to embed equity and inclusivity in the process The panel also stressed the need to integrate human rights into climate interventions, scrutinizing proposed solutions for fairness, affordability, and scientific validity while embracing diverse perspectives, and the knowledge and experiences of communities in decision-making processes.
In her contributions, CAPPA’s Associate Director, Aderonke Ige, called for the deconstruction of profit-driven models and economic systems in the pursuit of climate justice. She raised concerns about relying on historically polluting corporations or their representatives to drive whole-society solutions, highlighting the risks of greenwashing and false solutions against real interventions. She emphasized the importance of community-driven and organic solutions that meet rigorous standards of proof, safety, affordability, and justice-centered principles. Also, by considering the needs and aspirations of communities, new possibilities can be unlocked.
Exploring community and public ownership models also emerged during the panel discussion as empowering approaches for inspiring collective responsibility in addressing the climate crisis. By embracing inclusivity, respecting human rights, and integrating community knowledge, society can develop solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also equitable, affordable, and just in addressing the climate crisis.
Watch the full session here
1 thought on “Technology vs System Change in the Approach to Tackle Climate Crisis”
I would start by saying that, While technology is certainly a powerful tool that can help us address some aspects of the crisis, I agree that it’s not enough on its own. In order to truly tackle climate change, we need to transform our economic and social systems to create a more sustainable world. We need to move away from a growth-at-all-costs model and towards a more circular economy, one that is regenerative and respects the limits of our planet.
This means creating a new economic paradigm where we can reduce waste and pollution, create jobs and ensure social justice for everyone. We need to prioritize renewable energy sources, and move away from fossil fuels. We need to change the way we produce and consume food, and ensure that everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food. We need to rethink urban planning and transportation, and create cities that are designed for people, not just cars. In short, we need a comprehensive, holistic approach to address the climate crisis, and it’s not just about technology.
Thanks…