Stop global warming

Change the world

Jonathan Neale, Bookmarks, paperback, 287 pages, £11.99

This book is an optimistic antidote to the realms of pessimistic literature on the subject of climate change. The author shows how it is possible for countries like China and India to develop (and therefore emit more CO2), if the rest of the world cuts its carbon emissions.

Neale is arguing for a different approach that accepts the need for future economic and population growth but where the poorest people are not the ones who have to make “sacrifices” to save the environment.

The real strength of the book is its outline of emergency measures to tackle global warming. It recommends that in five years the UK should have: five times more wind power (comparable with Germany); five million roofs with solar panels (like California); government subsidies for home insulation; regulation for light bulbs; car-free cities; free or cheap public transport; no more airport expansion; railways under public ownership; and union environment reps.

The book also counters the frequently raised objection that these measures will “cost too much” by explaining that it will actually result in more jobs.

The book tentatively raises an issue which the trade union movement needs to grapple with directly — how to ensure the transition to a low-carbon economy is done justly so that workers don’t shoulder the burden of climate change measures.