_Jamie Holcomb is a sophomore journalism major at MU. She is an opinion columnist who writes about campus life and social justice for The Maneater._
The climate crisis looms over daily life for people across the world, and a physical reminder of the urgency of the situation is now on display. Co-creators Andrew Boyd and Gan Golan unveiled the Climate Clock on Sept. 19 that faces Union Square in Manhattan, N.Y. Its intention is to emphasize the brevity of climate change, as the clock is “counting down how long it will take, at current rates of emissions, to burn through our carbon budget,” according to Climate Clock’s website.
The clock’s countdown currently displays we have just over seven years to act on climate change or the planet will go over the global warming threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius. If we go over that threshold, climate change would cause even worse extreme weather events and temperatures. The countdown is based on data gathered by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change.
Though the art installation has created a national conversation about stopping climate change, it’s receiving attention from the wrong audience. The message is ineffective because it isn’t directed at anyone in particular and seemingly targets the general public.
Individuals are not the leading cause for climate change. Corporations and billionaires need to be held accountable for their role in causing this climate crisis, not regular people. According to the 2017 Carbon Majors Report, only 100 companies are responsible for over 70% of the world’s emissions. Companies like Chevron, ExxonMobil and BP are some of the world’s top polluters, and messages about the urgency of the climate crisis should be directed at them.
Climate change is not a new topic of discussion in 2020. Since the IPCC released its groundbreaking 2018 report that nations had just over ten years left to prevent complete climate breakdown, a majority of Americans have become aware that climate change is a constant threat.
Over two-thirds of Americans say “the federal government is doing too little for key aspects of the environment” according to the Pew Research Center. Just one example of the government’s failure is the Trump administration’s plan to roll back 100 environmental rules.
During this election cycle, climate change is at the top of Democratic voters’ minds. In a CNN poll of Democratic-leaning independent voters, 96% say that “taking aggressive action to slow the effects of climate change” is important to them. Presidential candidate Joe Biden has made net-zero emissions by 2050 a campaign priority. It’s evident that Americans care deeply about this issue, but want action instead of virtue signaling.
Worldwide climate protests led by youth activists like Greta Thunberg and Isra Hirsi put a spotlight on the crisis while targeting politicians who refuse to act. About four million young people filled the streets across the world last September for the weeklong Global Climate Strike, demanding the government takes action to prevent the climate crisis. Generation Z is clearly aware of the issue, are taking meaningful action and don’t need the clock’s reminder.
Though reminders of the urgency of the climate crisis are important, the clock’s only real effect is that it tortures the public under the guise of raising awareness. The Climate Clock stresses people out because it shows how little time we have left to act, which can “translate into impaired mental health that can result in depression and anxiety,” according to the American Psychological Association. Many people already deal with anxiety and depression related to climate change, and the constant reminder of it doesn’t help.
Taking action to help solve the crisis helps people feel better about it. The Climate Clock offers no avenues for organizing or putting pressure on governments and corporations. Though education and awareness are necessary steps for fighting against climate change, it’s not enough to just be informed.
This Climate Clock is yet another example of performative activism that does more harm than good. It does nothing to hold those in power accountable for their inaction and failure in regard to the climate crisis. Politicians and corporations have known about this timeline and the threat of climate change for decades and have refused to act for the sake of profit.
The pandemic has shown that even when people are staying home and reducing their personal carbon footprints, that made no difference on the realities of climate change. Due to COVID-19 lockdowns, greenhouse gas emissions are expected to be lower in the coming years. However, emissions are still projected to be much higher than what is necessary to reduce the effects of climate change. It’s clear that individual responsibility won’t save us from the climate crisis.
We won’t create solutions or hold politicians and corporations accountable by simply reminding them that the timeline is short. They’ve known about this timeline for years. We need to force those in power to take definitive action, or else risk a climate catastrophe.
_The Maneater is encouraging readers to donate to The Youth Direct Action Fund, which helps monetarily support organizers everywhere that are committed to fighting for climate and racial justice. Donate at:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ycaf_
_Edited by Sofi Zeman | szeman@themaneater.com_
