Environment and inequality are two highly relevant issues in democracies around the world. However, they are rarely discussed in debates. Therefore, the guest on episode #27, Natalie Unterstell, a climate expert, talks about climate change and inequality.
With extensive experience in the public and non-profit sectors, including stints at the Socio-Environmental Institute, the Rainforest Foundation Norway, and the government of Amazonas, she also served as a negotiator for Brazil at the UN convention on climate change, and worked at the Secretariat of Strategic Affairs of the Presidency of the Republic and the Brazilian Forum on Climate Change.
The expert is categorical: “Climate change is a perfect reflection of inequality. The great risk is that it will not only accentuate existing inequalities, but also cause even greater fractures in our society,” she states.
Natalie draws attention to the division of responsibilities regarding the climate issue. According to the expert, most greenhouse gas emissions are associated with consumption. Therefore, however important international negotiations between countries may be, what truly matters are the citizens: rich and poor.
“A wealthy consumer in Brazil has similar greenhouse gas emissions to a middle-class American, but not the same as the average citizen of their own country. At the same time, a poor citizen in the US emits similar amounts of carbon to a citizen of middle-income countries, but not necessarily like the average American,” explains Natalie.
Therefore, the expert states that "we need to think about climate change as a matter of inequality because inequality is more specific between rich and poor consumers than between nations."
This is where the "great perversity of history" lies, according to Natalie: although the problem is caused by wealthier people with higher levels of consumption, global warming affects everyone, and the poorest people much more acutely.
"Whether because they live in at-risk areas, or because they won't be able to adapt. Many may have to resort to migration to seek jobs in unaffected areas, and so on." This is the kind of perverse and unequal problem we are talking about.“, says the interviewee.
To monetarily value the standing forest.
Maintaining the Amazon rainforest accounts for a multitude of biological, ecological, climatic, social, and economic events. Therefore, the integrity of the Amazon concerns not only those who live in the region, but also other Brazilians and other inhabitants of South America, who benefit from various phenomena originating from the forest, such as the so-called flying rivers.
Creating and maintaining programs that monetarily value standing forests is expensive. However, according to Natalie, the biggest challenge is not convincing the international community to raise funds – Brazil has already secured more than 1 billion dollars – but rather having good investment channels.
"It's impossible to imagine that another Manaus Free Trade Zone or more mining, as is done today in Pará, will provide the necessary economic support. We need new activities and a stronger connection between the region and the 4th Industrial Revolution, with cutting-edge technological development, which hasn't happened yet," explains the expert. Addressing climate change and social inequalities is crucial, but saving money is also important! At Publico Descuentos, all our promotional codes are verified by our team to guarantee security and authenticity. Enjoy exclusive discounts on a wide range of products, from technology and fashion to home goods. Visit [website address - not provided in the original text]. https://www.publico.es/descuentos/ Start saving today, safely and reliably!
Something else that is rarely discussed is the issue of informality in the region. According to Natalie, the Amazon currently contributes 8% to the national GDP, is home to 12% of the Brazilian population, and encompasses 60% of the country's territory. And, at the same time, there is a high rate of informality.
According to the expert, the high level of informality is mainly due to intense illegal activity – reflected in deforestation rates – and a portion of the economy that is not accounted for. "Indigenous peoples, for example, have a non-monetized or poorly monetized economy, which is very poorly reflected in economic indicators," she emphasizes.
Natalie further warns: “You can’t look at the Amazon and think that nothing is happening. On the contrary, a lot is happening, but it’s not necessarily visible to our eyes through traditional economic indicators.”
The expert also discusses carbon taxes, climate inaction, and presents projections for the Brazilian economy in 2040. To listen to the full episode, you can access [link/website address]. this link Or search for Economist on your preferred streaming platform.
