Esther Duflo: “Climate change is a problem from hell politically”
The Nobel Prize-winning economist on how equality can save the planet.
ByClimate crisis
Climate crisis describes the heightened urgency of global warming and climate change and the impact they are having on the world. Drought, wildfires and habitat loss are becoming increasingly common; scientists and campaigners say only radical action can avert the worst effects. Read all of the New Statesman’s expert coverage on the climate crisis here.
Remaking the Anthropocene
Why our need for utopian thinking old and new, from Thomas More to Kim Stanley Robinson, has never been greater.
By
Utopia in the age of climate crisis
Half-Earth Socialism proposes democratic planning to navigate environmental catastrophe, but leaves vital questions unanswered.
By
Drought pulls Europe’s farmers to the front line of a drying world
Heatwaves and low rainfall are forcing farmers in rich nations to use methods usually suggested to those in East Africa.
By
“Engineers build the fabric of society. We need them in government”
The leading engineer Jo da Silva says we need leaders to take on greener city planning and inspiring national climate…
By
A history of nuclear catastrophe
Seen by many as a route to net zero, nuclear power is haunted by its past disasters.
By
Why the UN Security Council can’t keep ignoring climate-driven conflict
Drought and famine further jeopardise peace in fragile regions. The UN needs to recognise this threat before Cop27.
By
Does anyone actually care about Cop27?
Negotiators are meeting in Bonn to drum up momentum for the summit in Egypt, but international tensions won’t help climate…
By
Will our “war on nature” ever end?
Fifty years after the Stockholm environment conference, research shows protecting nature is vital to save human lives and livelihoods.
By
How the BBC became a “football” in the climate culture war
Climate contrarians are losing their ideological battle as net zero makes increasing economic and environmental sense.
By
London’s buildings emit the highest share of carbon of any major city
Almost four fifths of carbon emissions in the capital come from its buildings.
By
The pop stars tackling the climate cost of live music
From Billie Eilish to Brian Eno, musicians are increasingly determined to reverse the environmental damage caused by touring.
By
Why the world underestimates China’s climate action at its peril
Behind the scenes, China is slowly transitioning to a clean energy economy; the EU and the US should acknowledge this.
By
Councils can’t get us to net zero without more cash
The UK has ambitious net zero plans, but Westminster must finance local councils to make them reality.
By
UK voters are the losers from the government’s energy strategy
People could die next winter if they can’t heat their homes. The Tories’ latest plan fails to address rising bills…
By
Noam Chomsky: “We’re approaching the most dangerous point in human history”
The US professor, now 93, on the climate catastrophe and the threat of nuclear war.
By
The Tories are more united on energy than net-zero opponents suggest
Boris Johnson’s government can use its majority to make the upcoming UK energy strategy truly transformative.
By
Climate can’t cope with rush for oil in the face of Russian aggression
War in Ukraine is prompting rich nations to look for new oil supplies when they should be committing to ending…
By
“A crisis of feeling”: Kenya’s Elizabeth Wathuti on keeping faith on climate’s front line
As drought ravages the horn of Africa, youth climate activists are calling for global solidarity and support for local action.
By
Why China and the US’s climate announcements are cause for hope
China will no longer fund overseas coal projects, while Joe Biden is promising to increase climate funding for developing countries.
By