environment
‘The obsession with endless growth can only end in tears’: your questions on extreme weather this summer answered
From Europe’s deadly heat to floods in Asia, it’s been a terrifying summer. Environment writers Jonathan Watts and Ajit Niranjan answered Reddit users’ questions about their work – and their sources of hope
TL;DR
- Extreme weather events like wildfires in Europe and floods in Asia are exacerbated by global heating.
- Wildfire smoke causes a significant global death toll, potentially higher than direct wildfire fatalities.
- Economic systems focused on endless growth on a finite planet are unsustainable and contribute to the climate crisis.
- Both political and individual actions are necessary to address climate change, with a focus on reducing fossil fuel dependence and promoting sustainable practices.
- Despite the severity of the climate crisis and the difficulty of meeting targets like 1.5C warming, there are reasons for hope, including the rapid energy transition and growing environmental awareness.