Who's responsible for Climate Change?

Many individuals agree that climate change is a real issue that we face in our society today. Where people disagree is what are effective solutions to this problem. Some like journalist Cara Buckley say that individuals can make an effective impact on climate change by taking individual action. Others like journalist Cassandra Roxburgh make the case that corporations and governments are responsible for significant detriments to the environment and should therefore be held accountable for their emissions. Although Buckley makes a compelling argument that individuals should not give up on finding solutions, I believe that the changes that corporations and governments make will significantly impact the climate crisis in a way that individuals couldn’t possibly fathom.

In her article “Ok, Doomer” climate journalist Cara Buckley advocates for the roles that individuals play in addressing the climate crisis. For some, the topic of climate change is a topic shrouded in pessimism and apocalyptic mentality. This stance has been referred to by some climate advocates as the “Ok, Doomer” mentality. Basically, they are saying that if climate change is going to inevitably destroy our planet, then why try to change it? However, Buckley proposes several examples of individuals who are presenting an optimistic view of climate change that stands in stark contrast to the “Ok, Doomer” adherents. One individual highlighted was Alaina Wood, a sustainability scientist and “eco-creators” who presents positive news surrounding climate change and the effective steps taken to mitigate climate change. Fellow TikToker Caulin Donaldson shares that his followers, which comprise mostly of kids 7-14 were inspired to pick up trash and participate in beach cleanups after watching his videos. Donaldson also shared his frustration with the “Ok Doomer” mentality that one person can’t make a difference. He says “it takes a whole group, but it takes one person to start. One person to inspire. One person to raise a voice.” Individuals can work together to inspire change. There are individual actions that can be taken. However, it is important to recognize that individuals can only do so much. When it comes to climate change, we need to address those that are producing the most carbon and greenhouse gas emissions and that is corporations and governments.

In her article “Individuals Are Not to Blame for the Climate Crisis”, journalist Cassandra Roxburgh presents a counterargument to Buckley that although individuals should take action to reduce their own carbon footprint, corporations and governments are the main culprits of climate change. Reports show that “90 companies, mainly fossil fuel companies…are responsible for two-thirds of carbon emissions.” These reports show that of the factors contributing to climate change companies make up the majority. However, as Roxburgh points out, “global leaders still somehow conclude that individuals are to blame.” Roxburgh goes on to discuss how corporations have “greenwashed” and “woke-washed” individuals into thinking that they are the problem. Corporations have notoriously marketed the climate crisis as individuals’ problems and have painted themselves as the hero for introducing policies and raising awareness. One example is Shell. As a big fossil fuel company Shell had promised to be a net-zero emissions company by 2050. However, their 2020 quarterly report showed that they had no intention of doing this and were instead exploring new fossil fuel options. Corporations push the idea of individualism so that they don’t have to be held accountable for their impact. Marketing tactics have made it seem like corporations are doing a lot more than they actually are and pushing the blame on individuals. It sets unrealistic expectations for individuals. When it comes to real solutions and effective change, I agree with Roxburgh’s argument that companies have a major responsibility to affect the outcome of the climate crisis.

My argument for who is responsible for effective climate change solutions is that while the effort of individuals is encouraged, the greatest action they can take is to hold corporations accountable for their actions. The incredible thing is that companies don’t have to have huge, long policies in place to effect change. Similarly, governments don’t have to impose a laundry list of policies or even introduce new, fancy policies every few years. Advocates have found that a handful of policies can really affect change. We are not alone in fighting climate change. Even as Buckley points out, the changes that social media creators have caused are because they have created communities to fight for change. The most effective action individuals can take is to come together and petition corporations to cut their carbon emissions and implement climate change policies.

One reason corporations are responsible for effective climate change is the sheer volume of carbon emissions they produce. In her article, Roxburgh cites “an individual can save a meager 2.6 tons of carbon dioxide by going carless…compare[d] with the 1.38 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent Shell emitted last year.” Although individuals can take action to minimize their carbon emissions, corporations out produce them by a huge margin. Also corporations and governments create limitations on individuals by creating structures that confine the actions that individuals can take. For example, it is nearly impossible to go carless in the United States because of a lack of public transportation. However, the actions of individuals can influence how corporations approach climate change. Both Buckley and Roxburgh cite examples of individuals coming together to pressure policymakers to make beneficial climate policies. For example, Roxburgh cites how in the United Kingdom environmental activists placed pressure on the government to disallow drilling. And Buckley cites how social media influencers are encouraging individuals to join climate strikes and sign petitions. This shows that the most effective actions individuals can take is to pressure large corporations to implement policies.

There is a lot that needs to be done to affect the climate crisis but it’s not impossible. Both authors show the problems that exist in the battle for climate change and they both suggest certain solutions; one in favor of individual action, the other holds corporations responsible. Ultimately, I agree with Roxburgh that the responsibility falls with corporations. They are the ones contributing the most to the problem and should therefore be held responsible for finding the solution. And as individuals we can take action by petitioning corporations to implement climate strategies and by voting for climate policies.