The Sunday Debate: To Stop Climate Collapse, We Must End Capitalism
b'Capitalism is driving us to disaster. Our planet is heading for a terrifying environmental cataclysm \\u2013 and our economic system is responsible. The defining characteristic of capitalism is perpetual economic growth. And while it has brought us wonderful benefits, including improved health, wealth and opportunities to travel and experience the world, ever-increasing production and consumption \\u2013 inherent in capitalism \\u2013 are an existential threat to life on our planet. The more we produce and consume, the more energy we need \\u2013 and renewables can\\u2019t keep pace. Unless we abandon capitalism now, we will inevitably continue to drive up the demand for fossil fuels. According to some scientific predictions, human civilisation could completely collapse by 2050 if we don\\u2019t take drastic action to stop climate change now. We must end capitalism before it\\u2019s too late.\\xa0\\n\\nThat\\u2019s the view of the anti-capitalist eco-warriors. But while it\\u2019s undeniable that capitalism has contributed to our current climate crisis, it has also proven to be history\\u2019s most effective way of solving our problems. According to capitalism\\u2019s defenders, there is almost no challenge capitalism hasn\\u2019t met. It has helped defeat disease and has lifted billions out of poverty \\u2013 and there\\u2019s no reason why the dynamism of the marketplace can\\u2019t be harnessed to bring our carbon emissions down to zero. For example, until recently solar panels were impossibly expensive; now they are cheap and helping us transition away from fossil fuels. Our system of competitive, open markets gives strong incentives for the world\\u2019s brightest minds to find creative solutions to climate change. So don\\u2019t listen to the doomsayers who want to rip up our economic system. Capitalism is not the problem; it\\u2019s the solution.\\xa0\\nThis event was recorded in January 2020 at the Royal Geographical Hall in London.\\n\\nCHAIR: Ritula Shah - Journalist and presenter on Classic FM\\nSPEAKERS FOR THE MOTION: George Monbiot - Guardian columnist, environmental campaigner and author of Regenesis: Feeding the World without Devouring the Planet and Farhana Yamin - International environmental lawyer and leading activist in the Extinction Rebellion protests\\nAGAINST THE MOTION: Adair Turner - Chair of the Energy Transitions Commission and Tony Juniper - Sustainability adviser\\n\\u2014\\nWe\\u2019d love to hear your feedback and what you think we should talk about next, who we should have on and what our future debates should be.\\xa0\\nSend us an email or voice note with your thoughts to podcasts@intelligencesquared.com or Tweet us @intelligence2.\\xa0\\nAnd if you\\u2019d like to support our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations, as well as ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content, early access and much more, become a supporter of Intelligence Squared today.\\nJust visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.\\xa0\\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices'