The "False Dilemma"

“Men argue. Nature acts.”

-Voltaire

Society, in many ways, is run by economics.  The simplest things—trips to the grocery store, going on vacation, and even our future plans are often decided based on the cost involved.  Now consider, in comparison, a world where great effort was put into funding a global initiative to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in favor of alternative energy sources.  These new sources would, of course, require a great deal of innovation, and in turn, money.  In many ways, all of this seems crazy, even impossible; it may appear in the real world that we have to choose between promoting economic growth and fighting climate change.  As it turns out, according to a high-powered panel discussion that I attended today, this way of thinking couldn’t be more wrong. 

Felipe Calderón, former president of Mexico and Chairman of the Global Commission on Economy and Climate, presented this morning on what he calls the “False Dilemma,” the common belief that we have to choose between opportunities for economic growth and opportunities to combat climate change.  Calderón stresses the importance of a balanced mindset; with the help of innovation, it is certainly possible to improve in both ways and at the same time.

Calderón believes in the value of immediate action.  It often appears that making great changes now will destroy the economy and place society in ruin, yet, he stated, we also cannot afford to create another civilization after forcing the current one into utter destruction.  Essentially, financing climate solutions is much more than choosing between making a sacrifice or not; it is our job to consider the sacrifices we will have to make in the long-term if we don’t do our best to tackle climate change and its ramifications.

On the path towards impactful and universal climate change legislation, we need a plan.  Whether regional, national, international, or a combination of some sort, Dimitri Zenghelis, Co-head of Grantham Research Institute, reminded us of the significance of any step in the right direction.  What drives innovation, he asked?  History—the stock of knowledge.  As we continue to build that stock and make wise decisions for the future of the world, we build a base of motivation for future legislation.  As stated by Isaac Newton, “if [we] have seen a little further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”  Every stage of change is development on the path to the greater good.

As one would expect, financing climate change solutions will require monetary sacrifice and a high level of collaboration.  However, making changes now for the well-being of the environment has great potential to spur economic growth and provide a base from which we can grow.  The balance between combating climate change and allowing economies to prosper is more attainable than we tend to think; really, changing the world is priceless.