Why are the world’s leaders still in denial about extreme weather, asks former Guardian environment editor John Vidal
Even as Storm Elliott devastated parts of the US, it must have occurred to many governments in the rich northern hemisphere that the climate crisis is helping to supercharge the weather and that something similar or worse could just as easily happen in their countries.
But the rich world has utterly failed to adapt to the changes taking place, and it will now cost far more than it need have done. Only a handful of countries – mostly those on the frontline of climate chaos like Bangladesh – have even begun to try to adapt to the approaching chaos and tragedy. Cop27 in Egypt may have finally launched a global loss and damage fund to help poor nations adapt, but no money has been pledged and, judging from experience, is likely to come soon.
All we know is that major adverse weather events such as Elliott are likely to grow in number, scale and frequency. That means big decisions must be taken now on how to adapt our investments, housing, farming, food, transport, health and energy systems. Governments cannot avoid the climate crisis any longer. We must become accustomed to this new reality and be prepared. We have no choice now; everything must change.
John Vidal was the Guardian’s environment editor. He is the author of McLibel: Burger Culture on Trial
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