The Race of Our Lives

In February, the Winston Center co-sponsored another exciting collaboration with the Sociology and Earth & Environmental Science Departments entitled The Race of Our Lives: Confronting and Solving the Global Climate Crisis. The panel event featured Mr. Jeremy Grantham, a legendary investor, manager of over $100 billion, and climate-focused philanthropist; world-renowned economist, UN advisor, and Columbia University professor Dr. Jeffery Sachs, who is a particularly prolific advocate for sustainable development and author on the topic; and Dr. James Hansen, a pioneering physicist and director of NASA’s Goddard Institute, who testified to Congress in 1988 about the greenhouse effect. Moderated by BC Professor of Sociology Juliet Schor, the panelists discussed the urgency of the climate crisis; approaches to climate policy, including the extent of social and economic transformation that is necessary to address the crisis; and climate activism. 

Throughout the conversation, the panelists consistently stressed the importance of divestment of the oil industry; Dr. Sachs notably referred to oil as “a hallucinogen, [which] drives [a country] crazy politically.” They all expressed that while technological solutions to our climate change problems are increasingly available, the primary problem we face now is one of policy, politics, and mobilization. The panelists debated specific potential climate policies, but agreed that the core of the current challenge is to make intelligent, scientifically based decisions that translate into common action while standing up against “the vested interests and the incompetence of politicians.” They encouraged universities and university students to assume the role of “doing the numbers,” showing the costs of climate change and how manageable proposed changes are, and illustrating the way forward. Grantham, Sachs, and Hansen urged students to become educated and passionate about climate change issues, and to engage in spirited demonstrations regarding the University administration’s climate-related decisions. The evening served to inspire and energize students and faculty to continue the work they are doing to address the race of our lives. 

Caitlan Griffith ’20, Winston Undergraduate Assistant