8 May

It's strange something as abstract as climate change become such a big political issue. Have often wondered why. It's most likely because there are two main responses to the challenges in the world at the moment, and climate change is the link between them. There are the 'globalisers' who think business as usual is the way forward - more open 'markets', less national laws and boundaries. Then there are those who are busily retreating to old ways - to sovereign nations, to nationalism and patriotism, to 'local' or community things (the 'authenticity' movements, for example in food, travel in your own country etc.). Climate change is what links both of these. It's what stops the globalisers, because it puts limits on what can be done (which is why they viciously attack it). And it's what also stuffs up the authenticity movements, the old 'think globally, act locally' idea falls apart because it's very hard to see how local action can actually fix anything.