Polity, 2024
ISBN: 978-1509559091
Reviewed by Brian Jackson
_____________________________________________________________________________________
One of the aims of GreenSpirit is to honour the web of life. I have read many books on the climate crisis but this one is different in that it explores the moral reasons to take action, not only for humans but for all living beings. Robin Attfield also looks at the obligations not just to present beings but also to future generations.
Nearly all of you who read this review will accept that climate change is a serious threat to our own generation and to those to come. The book gives a thorough review of the science of climate change and how, combined with related issues such as biodiversity loss and air pollution, they comprise a single emergency.
However accepted climate change is, it is argued that it is far from being accepted that we are ethically obliged to take action. Here, the ethical case is presented for action to be taken at all levels including international organisations, governments, companies and us as individual citizens. The author points out that we are failing as citizens if we assume our Government have these matters in hand when they are focusing on other issues to the effective exclusion of the climate emergency. It is also a dereliction if governments agree to contribute to international climate objectives but then do not take them into account in their policies. If we take a role as a campaigner, sign petitions and lobby, this book leaves us well informed to do so. Other ethical decisions we can all make relate to our lifestyle choices such as the frequency of flying and the installation of solar panels.
The book is a rich resource, wide ranging in its topics, looking at issues such as ‘should current and future interest conflict’, ‘the precautionary principle’,’ offsetting’ and the introduction of a law to recognise the crime of Ecocide. Importantly, there is a chapter devoted to the victims of climate injustice and the shape of climate justice. This deals with human and also non-human victims.
Robin Attfield argues there is still hope with the partial success of COP over the years, the setting up of a loss and damage fund, the plan to secure 30% of continents and oceans for wildlife and for related international funding. He gives more tangible evidence such as the restoration of wild species: the red kite first to Wales then to England, the golden eagle to Scotland, the osprey to the lakes of the UK as a whole, all of which can be built on further.
The book concludes with the motivations for the commitment to solve our global problems. There is an awareness of the need to act before it’s too late, the value and awareness of and commitment to the flourishing of human and non-human life. Inspiration will continue to arise from love of life on Earth and the well grounded hope that it can be perpetuated in all its diversity.
The book is a significant contribution and resource to the major task of our generation.
Robin Attfield is an Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at Cardiff University.