Unit 8, exercise 25b George Monbiot George Monbiot is an English writer and environmental activist. After what he saw as the failure of the latest intergovernmental climate change talks, he became more pessimistic than ever. Monbiot thinks that we have already passed some of the tipping points, which means that even if we slow down or stop our carbon emissions, there will still be catastrophic results. But that isn’t what worries him the most. For Monbiot, the major concern is that we are focusing on the wrong thing. We might be able to change our energy systems, especially in transport, from fossil fuels to electrical power in quite a short space of time, but that will just introduce new problems. What about the mining of the elements and minerals that battery-powered cars need, for instance? This will exploit poorer countries and cause its own environmental and pollution problems. He thinks that we need a radical rethink of all our transport and communication systems, and that we should build into our cities the possibility of meeting all our needs – food, employment, education, entertainment – within walking distance. He is not hopeful that there is the political will for this to be done. 1 Why does Monbiot think that we can’t avoid catastrophic climate change? 2 Why doesn’t Monbiot think that decarbonisation will solve our environmental problems? 3 What does Monbiot think might be a better solution, and is he confident it will be implemented? 4 Mark any points you agree and disagree with. Group A Unit 9, exercise 13d GOAL 13: CLIMATE ACTION Tourism contributes to and is affected by climate change. It is, therefore, in the sector’s own interest to play a leading role in the global response to climate change. By lowering energy consumption and shifting to renewable energy sources, especially in the transport and accommodation sector, tourism can help tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time. GOAL 14: LIFE BELOW WATER Coastal and maritime tourism, tourism’s biggest segments, particularly for ‘Small Island Developing States’, rely on healthy marine ecosystems. Tourism development must be a part of Integrated Coastal Zone Management in order to help conserve and preserve fragile marine ecosystems and serve as a vehicle to promote a blue economy. GOAL 15: LIFE ON LAND Majestic landscapes, pristine forests, rich biodiversity, and natural heritage sites are often main reasons why tourists visit a destination. Sustainable tourism can play a major role, not only in conserving and preserving biodiversity, but also in respecting ecosystems, due to its efforts towards the reduction of waste and consumption, the conservation of native flora and fauna, and its awareness-raising activities. GOAL 16: PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS As tourism revolves around billions of encounters between people of diverse cultural backgrounds, the sector can foster multicultural and religious tolerance and understanding, laying the foundation for more peaceful societies. Sustainable tourism, which benefits and engages local communities, can also provide a source of livelihood, strengthen cultural identities and boost entrepreneurial activities, thereby helping to prevent violence and conflict and to consolidate peace in post-conflict societies. Student B 219 A Activities Nur zu Prüfzw cken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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