Dealing with global warming should be one of the top priorities for humanity

Dealing with global warming should be one of the top priorities for humanity

09 Feb 2006

The panel debate where global warming ranks among humanity’s priorities.

Arguing in favour of the motion are The Rt Hon Michael Meacher MP and Tom Burke.

Michael Meacher begins by arguing that global warming is the top priority for humanity. Citing statistics suggesting that 160,000 people already die each year from the effects of climate change, he argues that the future lies with renewables – particularly wind. He notes that the greatest effects of climate change are yet to be felt, and can still be halted, strongly rejecting the concept that it is inevitable.

Tom Burke continues by arguing that what is at stake is whether or not we want to live in a stable climate. He suggests that economists cannot estimate the full costs of combating climate change, because so many contributory factors are currently unknown. He claims that climate change is unlike most of the issues that humans have to deal with – mainly due to its scale – as, unlike other issues, it affects every single person on the planet.

Arguing against the motion are Professor Bjorn Lomborg and Professor Philip Stott.

Bjorn Lomborg begins by arguing that global warming is not the problem for which we can do ‘the most good first'. By applying economic principles, Lomborg demonstrates that many other important issues, such as HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, free-trade, and disease, are far more cost effective. He believes that, considering we have to prioritise, we should focus first on the issues in which we can do the most good.

Philip Stott, a fierce climate-sceptic, argues that there hasn’t been a stable climate for billions of years. Stott believes that by manipulating one selected factor (carbon emissions) out of the thousands of factors that govern climate, it is impossible to have a predictable outcome. He believes that global warming is ‘the great hypochondriac myth which governs the politics of the world’.

First Vote: 414 For, 134 Against, 165 Don’t know

Final vote: 338 For, 309 Against, 77 Don’t know

The motion is carried by 232 votes.

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