GLOBAL: Climate Change Cultural Overview - Lethal Heating Editor BDA

The cultural impact of climate change: a flooded traditional village, people evacuating, an elder passing down stories, and environmental devastation.

This Global Climate Change Cultural Overview is part of a series examining the impact of Lethal Heating in key areas, including: Australia Social Australia Economic Australia Ecological Australia Political Australia Cultural Global Social Global Economic Global Ecological Global Political Global Cultural

The cultural impact of climate change is profound and far-reaching, affecting traditions, identities, and ways of life across the world.

Here are some key areas where climate change is reshaping culture:

1. Loss of Traditional Knowledge & Practices

• Indigenous and rural communities that rely on seasonal patterns for agriculture, fishing, and ceremonies are struggling as climate change disrupts weather cycles.
• In the Arctic, the melting ice threatens Inuit hunting traditions, which are deeply tied to their cultural identity.

2. Climate Migration & Displacement

• Rising sea levels and extreme weather are forcing communities—especially in low-lying island nations like Tuvalu and Kiribati—to relocate, leading to loss of homeland and cultural heritage.
• Displaced communities face challenges in preserving language, traditions, and social structures in new environments.

3. Changes in Art, Literature & Storytelling

• Climate anxiety and ecological grief are emerging themes in contemporary art, literature, and music.
• Indigenous storytelling traditions are evolving to reflect environmental changes and the struggle to preserve cultural wisdom.
• Climate fiction ("cli-fi") is becoming a popular genre, addressing the human experience of climate change.

4. Festivals & Religious Practices

• Many religious and cultural festivals are tied to seasonal cycles, such as harvest festivals in Asia and Africa, which are being disrupted by shifting climates.
• Some religious leaders are incorporating climate activism into faith-based teachings, emphasizing stewardship of the Earth.

5. Impact on Food & Cuisine

• Traditional diets are changing as staple crops like coffee, rice, and maize are affected by changing climates.
• Communities reliant on fishing are struggling as fish stocks decline due to warming oceans and acidification.

6. Language & Climate Terminology

• New words and concepts are emerging to describe climate-related experiences, such as "solastalgia" (grief over environmental loss).
• Some Indigenous languages contain precise terms for environmental phenomena that are disappearing along with the ecosystems they describe.

7. Political & Social Movements

• Climate change is fuelling youth-led activism, with figures like Greta Thunberg and movements like Fridays for Future inspiring cultural shifts toward environmental responsibility.
• Social justice issues, such as climate colonialism and environmental racism, are gaining attention, highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities.

Links

• Culture and Climate Change
• Climate Change as a Driver of Cultural Destruction
• The impact of climate change on cultural heritage (pdf)
• UNESCO highlights climate impact on cultural heritage
• Cultural heritage: an overlooked yet critical aspect of climate change
• Climate Change and World Heritage
• Cultural Dimensions of Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation (pdf)

AUSTRALIA: Climate Change Political Overview - Lethal Heating Editor BDA

This Overview of Australia's Climate Change Politics is part of a series examining the impact of Lethal Heating in key areas, including: Australia Social Australia Economic Australia Ecological Australia Political Australia Cultural Global Social Global Economic Global Ecological Global Political Global Cultural

Australia’s climate change politics are highly contentious, shaped by economic dependence on fossil fuels, extreme climate impacts, and political divisions. 

The country is both a major contributor to climate change—being one of the world’s largest coal and gas exporters—and one of the most vulnerable to its effects, experiencing worsening bushfires, heatwaves, and coral bleaching.

1. Government Policies & Commitments

a. International Commitments

• Paris Agreement (2015): Australia committed to reducing emissions by 43% below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050.
• COP Conferences: Australia has historically been seen as a laggard in climate negotiations, resisting stronger emissions reductions and fossil fuel phase-outs.
• Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Australia faces pressure from Pacific Island nations, which are highly vulnerable to rising sea levels. The Albanese government has promised stronger engagement, but its continued fossil fuel exports undermine its credibility.

b. Domestic Climate Policies

• Safeguard Mechanism (2023): A reform under the Albanese government requiring major polluters to reduce emissions.
• Renewable Energy Targets: The government aims for 82% renewable electricity by 2030, expanding solar, wind, and battery storage.
• Gas & Coal Expansion: Despite green commitments, Australia continues approving new coal and gas projects, sparking criticism from climate advocates.

2. Political Divides on Climate Action

Climate change has been a divisive issue in Australian politics, often determining elections and leadership changes.

a. Labor Party (ALP)

• Historically cautious on climate due to electoral fears, but has strengthened policies under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
• Supports renewable energy investment but avoids direct confrontation with fossil fuel industries.
• Pledged net zero by 2050 and 43% emissions reduction by 2030, but critics say it’s not enough.

b. Liberal-National Coalition (LNP)

• Traditionally sceptical of strong climate action, favouring coal and gas industries.
• Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison (2019–2022) was criticised for weak climate policies, symbolised by his infamous "I brought a lump of coal to Parliament" moment.
• The Coalition now debates whether to embrace stronger climate policies or maintain fossil fuel support.

c. The Greens

• Strongest climate action advocates, pushing for 75% emissions reduction by 2030 and an end to new coal and gas projects.
• Key players in negotiating climate legislation, sometimes blocking bills they see as too weak.

d. Independents & "Teal" Candidates

• In the 2022 federal election, a wave of "Teal Independents" (centrist, pro-climate action candidates) defeated Liberal MPs in wealthy urban electorates.
• This shift forced the major parties to take climate action more seriously.

3. Fossil Fuel Industry & Lobbying

• Australia is the world’s second-largest coal exporter and a major LNG (liquefied natural gas) producer.
• The fossil fuel industry has strong political influence, with heavy donations to major parties.
• New gas projects, such as Scarborough, Beetaloo Basin, and Narrabri, continue despite warnings from scientists.
• The Australian government provides billions in subsidies to fossil fuel companies, even as it promotes renewables.

4. Climate Impacts & Public Opinion

a. Extreme Weather Events

• Bushfires (Black Summer 2019–20): Destroyed over 18 million hectares, killed 33 people, and burned 3 billion animals.
• Heatwaves & Droughts: Increasingly frequent and severe, affecting agriculture and water supply.
• Flooding: Major disasters in Queensland and New South Wales in 2022 caused billions in damages.
• Great Barrier Reef Bleaching: Multiple mass bleaching events threaten the reef’s survival.

b. Public Attitudes

• Polls show Australians increasingly support stronger climate action, especially after extreme weather events.
• However, climate action remains polarizing in regional areas dependent on coal and gas jobs.

5. Future Outlook & Challenges

• Economic Transition: Australia must balance phasing out fossil fuels with creating new clean energy jobs, particularly in coal-dependent communities.
• Pacific Relations: Australia’s credibility in the Pacific hinges on stronger climate action, as island nations demand an end to fossil fuel expansion.
• Political Shifts: Future elections could see further climate-driven changes, especially if the public demands stronger policies.
• Global Pressure: Trading partners like the EU may impose carbon tariffs on Australian exports, forcing stricter policies.

Conclusion

Australia is at a crossroads. While its government is making progress on climate policy, continued fossil fuel expansion undermines its commitments. The country faces mounting pressure—both domestically and internationally—to act faster and more decisively. 

Links

• If not now, when? Australia must urgently ramp up climate action following record-breaking year
•  $11 million to build and grow on Australian research in climate change and health
•  Politicians kneecap charities, climate in electoral power grab
•  How climate change impacts crocodiles
•  Victoria’s Climate Change Strategy
•  Born too late? Climate change may be delaying births
•  How climate change is reshaping real estate and economic geography

GLOBAL: Climate Change Political Overview - Lethal Heating Editor BDA

This Global Climate Change Political Overview is part of a series examining the impact of Lethal Heating in key areas, including: Australia Social Australia Economic Australia Ecological Australia Political Australia Cultural Global Social Global Economic Global Ecological Global Political Global Cultural

1. Global Political Landscape

Climate change is one of the most politically charged issues of the 21st century. 

Governments, international organisations, corporations, and civil society all play roles in shaping policies and actions. 

While there is broad scientific consensus on the causes and consequences of climate change, political responses vary widely based on national interests, economic concerns, and ideological positions. 

2. International Agreements & Frameworks

• Paris Agreement (2015):
  A landmark treaty under the UNFCCC where countries committed to limiting global warming to well below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels. However, enforcement mechanisms are weak, and many countries are failing to meet their commitments. 

• COP (Conference of the Parties):
  The annual UN climate conference where nations negotiate climate action. COP28 (2023) in Dubai led to the first-ever agreement to "transition away from fossil fuels," but critics argue it lacks binding commitments.

• Kyoto Protocol (1997):
  Preceding the Paris Agreement, it set legally binding emission reduction targets for developed nations but was largely ineffective due to lack of participation from major polluters like the U.S. 

3. National Politics & Divides

• United States:
  Highly polarised.
  Democrats typically advocate for stronger climate action, supporting renewable energy and regulations.
  Republicans often push back due to economic concerns, favouring fossil fuel industries.
  The U.S. oscillates between ambitious climate policies (under Obama and Biden) and rollbacks (under Trump). 

• European Union:
  Generally progressive, with ambitious climate policies like the European Green Deal and strict emissions regulations.
  However, internal divisions exist, especially with fossil fuel-dependent nations like Poland. 

• China:
  The world’s largest emitter, but also the biggest investor in renewable energy.
  It has pledged carbon neutrality by 2060 but remains reliant on coal. 

• Developing Nations:
  Countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America argue that historical polluters (developed nations) should bear more responsibility.
  They seek climate financing to adapt to climate impacts without sacrificing economic growth. 

4. Fossil Fuel Politics & Corporate Influence  

The fossil fuel industry remains a powerful political force. 

Lobbying efforts often delay or weaken climate policies. 

Countries like Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the U.S. continue to defend fossil fuel interests, while oil and gas companies invest in greenwashing campaigns to appear environmentally responsible without making significant changes. 

5. Climate Activism & Public Pressure  

Movements like Fridays for Future, Extinction Rebellion, and Just Stop Oil have pushed climate change to the forefront of political debates. 

Activists demand systemic change, often clashing with governments and corporations. 

Laws criminalising protests have increased in some countries, highlighting tensions between climate activism and political power. 

6. Geopolitics & Climate Refugees  

• Climate change is exacerbating global instability, fuelling conflicts over water, food, and habitable land. 
• Nations facing severe climate threats (e.g., island states like Tuvalu) demand urgent action, while high-emission nations resist drastic economic shifts. 
• Climate-induced migration is emerging as a major political issue, with millions expected to be displaced due to extreme weather and rising sea levels. 

7. Future Trends & Political Challenges 

• The transition to clean energy is inevitable but politically fraught.
  Green technologies are disrupting traditional industries, creating economic winners and losers. 
• Right-wing populist movements often oppose climate action, framing it as an elitist agenda that harms working-class jobs. 
• Climate lawsuits against governments and corporations are rising, with courts increasingly recognising climate inaction as a violation of human rights. 
• The success of climate action depends on sustained political will, public pressure, and international cooperation—none of which are guaranteed.

Links 

• Earth is already shooting through the 1.5°C global warming limit, two major studies show
• Why Climate Change Sometimes Brings Major Winter Storms
• Countries remain committed to Paris Agreement despite US exit
• US had the coldest January in decades, but it was still the warmest on record for the planet
• Studies suggest Paris Agreement's warming limit could be reached sooner than expected
• Climate-amplified weather disasters could erase nearly $1.5 trillion in home values: report
• New study warns entire species could vanish if climate change gets worse