Say No to War and Fossil Fuel

Climate Emergency Forum discusses the widespread nature of armed conflicts, which not only cause immediate destruction but also have long-lasting effects on climate and ecosystems from emissions and post-war reconstruction.

This video was recorded on June 19th, 2024, and published on July 14th, 2024, and represents the opinions of the discussion participants.

There are over 100 active conflicts across various regions including the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. These conflicts have significant humanitarian and environmental impacts.

The conversation draws attention to the economic aspects of war, noting that global military expenditures have reached over $2 trillion annually. This is contrasted with the relative lack of funding for climate initiatives, with rich countries spending about 30 times more on their armed forces than on climate finance for vulnerable nations. The speakers argue that this imbalance in spending priorities exacerbates both conflict and climate issues.

Historical context is provided, suggesting that while warfare has been a part of human history, it is not an inevitable aspect of human nature. The speakers challenge the glorification of war and warriors in many societies, arguing that this cultural attitude perpetuates cycles of conflict. They also discuss the interconnectedness of war, fossil fuel interests, and climate change, pointing out that the global military would rank fourth in emissions if it were a country, falling between India and Russia.

The dialog concludes with reflections on the need to redirect resources and attention from military spending to addressing climate change and other global challenges. The speakers advocate for saying “no” to both war and fossil fuels, emphasizing the urgency of taking action on climate change and the importance of pursuing peaceful solutions to conflicts.

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