PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION AS A SOURCE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION AS A SOURCE OF GLOBAL WARMING: BEYOND CAPITALISM AND OF GLOBAL WARMING: BEYOND CAPITALISM AND

TOWARD AN ALTERNATIVE WORLD SYSTEMTOWARD AN ALTERNATIVE WORLD SYSTEM

Hans Baer, School of Philosophy, Anthropology, and Social Hans Baer, School of Philosophy, Anthropology, and Social Inquiry and Centre of Health and Society, University of Inquiry and Centre of Health and Society, University of

MelbourneMelbourne

andand

Merrill Singer, Center for Health, Intervention, and Prevention, Merrill Singer, Center for Health, Intervention, and Prevention, and Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticutand Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticut

Presentation at the Climate Justice Seminar,Presentation at the Climate Justice Seminar,2 August 2008, Melbourne 2 August 2008, Melbourne

ANTHROPOLOGY: PAST AND PRESENT ANTHROPOLOGY: PAST AND PRESENT

Anthropology in pastAnthropology in past

Tended to focus on indigenous or tribal societiesTended to focus on indigenous or tribal societies

Kathleen Gough: anthropology as the ‘child of imperialism’Kathleen Gough: anthropology as the ‘child of imperialism’

Anthropology since the 1960sAnthropology since the 1960s

Diversity of human societies: indigenous, pre-capitalist state, capitalist, post-revolutionary or Diversity of human societies: indigenous, pre-capitalist state, capitalist, post-revolutionary or socialist-orientedsocialist-oriented

Focus still on local communities: rural or urban, developing or developed countriesFocus still on local communities: rural or urban, developing or developed countries

Various theoretical perspectives: structural-functional, structuralist, phenomenological, Marxian or Various theoretical perspectives: structural-functional, structuralist, phenomenological, Marxian or political economic, post-modernistpolitical economic, post-modernist

Considerable overlap with sociology, political science, history, and political economyConsiderable overlap with sociology, political science, history, and political economy

We define ourselves as ‘historical social scientist who happens to have PhD in anthropology.’ We define ourselves as ‘historical social scientist who happens to have PhD in anthropology.’

BASIC PREMISES OF A CRITICAL ANTHROPOLOGYBASIC PREMISES OF A CRITICAL ANTHROPOLOGYOF GLOBAL WARMINGOF GLOBAL WARMING

Global warming as a by-product of the treadmill Global warming as a by-product of the treadmill of production and consumption associated withof production and consumption associated with global capitalismglobal capitalism

Impact of global warming on human populations:Impact of global warming on human populations: settlement patterns, subsistence, and healthsettlement patterns, subsistence, and health

Adaptation vs. mitigationAdaptation vs. mitigation

Need to transcend capitalist world system with Need to transcend capitalist world system with alternative global political economy alternative global political economy

GRAVITY OF GLOBAL WARMINGGRAVITY OF GLOBAL WARMING

Global average surface temperature rose 0.6 – 0.7Global average surface temperature rose 0.6 – 0.7ooC during 20C during 20thth century century

2007 IPCC report projects average rise of 32007 IPCC report projects average rise of 3ooC at present rate of greenhouse emissions by C at present rate of greenhouse emissions by 2100 2100

COCO22 increased from 280 ppm at time of Industrial Revolution to 379 ppm in 2005 increased from 280 ppm at time of Industrial Revolution to 379 ppm in 2005

Rise in other greenhouse emissions: methane, nitrous oxide, etcRise in other greenhouse emissions: methane, nitrous oxide, etc

Over 40% of Arctic icecap has retreated during past several decadesOver 40% of Arctic icecap has retreated during past several decades

Vast majority of glaciers around world retreatingVast majority of glaciers around world retreating

Rising sea levelsRising sea levels

Possibly erratic weather patterns: hurricanes, heavy rains, and droughtsPossibly erratic weather patterns: hurricanes, heavy rains, and droughts

Impact upon biodiversityImpact upon biodiversity

2007 IPCC REPORT2007 IPCC REPORT

Most of the observed increase in globally averaged temperatures Most of the observed increase in globally averaged temperatures since the mid-20since the mid-20thth century is century is very likelyvery likely due to the observed increase due to the observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse concentration. . . Discernible human in anthropogenic greenhouse concentration. . . Discernible human influences now extend to other aspects of climate, including ocean influences now extend to other aspects of climate, including ocean warming, continental-average temperatures, temperature extremes warming, continental-average temperatures, temperature extremes and wind patterns. and wind patterns.

For the next two decades a warming of about 0.2For the next two decades a warming of about 0.2ooC per decade is C per decade is projected for a range of SRES [Special Report on Emission Scenarios]. projected for a range of SRES [Special Report on Emission Scenarios]. Even if the concentrations of all greenhouse gases and aerosols had Even if the concentrations of all greenhouse gases and aerosols had been kept constant a year 2000 levels, a further warming of about been kept constant a year 2000 levels, a further warming of about 0.10.1ooC per decade would be expected. C per decade would be expected.

The best estimate for the low scenario is 1.8The best estimate for the low scenario is 1.8ooC (Likely range is 1.10C (Likely range is 1.10ooC C to 2.9to 2.9ooC) and the best estimate for the high scenario is 4.0C) and the best estimate for the high scenario is 4.0ooC (likely C (likely range is 2.4range is 2.4ooC to 6.4C to 6.4ooC) by 2100C) by 2100

CRITICAL ANTHROPOLOGY OF GLOBAL WARMING -- CRITICAL ANTHROPOLOGY OF GLOBAL WARMING -- CONTRADICTIONS OF CAPITALIST WORLD SYSTEM AND ITS CONTRADICTIONS OF CAPITALIST WORLD SYSTEM AND ITS

COMMITMENT TO PROFIT-MAKING COMMITMENT TO PROFIT-MAKING

Growing socio-economic gap within and between nation-statesGrowing socio-economic gap within and between nation-states

World Bank statisticsWorld Bank statistics

On-going conflicts in many parts of worldOn-going conflicts in many parts of world

Related to states (US, UK, Australia) doing bidding of multi-national corporations Related to states (US, UK, Australia) doing bidding of multi-national corporations

Based on assumption planet has infinite resourcesBased on assumption planet has infinite resources

contributes to depletion of natural resourcescontributes to depletion of natural resources

Treadmill of production and consumption contributes to greenhouse gas emissionsTreadmill of production and consumption contributes to greenhouse gas emissions

Poverty tends to stimulate population growthPoverty tends to stimulate population growth

Strain on resourcesStrain on resources

JOHN BELLAMY FOSTER – CRITICAL SOCIOLOGIST JOHN BELLAMY FOSTER – CRITICAL SOCIOLOGIST ON GLOBAL WARMINGON GLOBAL WARMING

John Bellamy Foster:John Bellamy Foster:

The ecological crisis engendered by the capitalist The ecological crisis engendered by the capitalist economy . . . threatens the collapse of world civilization, economy . . . threatens the collapse of world civilization, and irreparable damage to entire biosphere from which and irreparable damage to entire biosphere from which human society and the planet as we know it may never human society and the planet as we know it may never recover – if current trends are not reversed. The latest recover – if current trends are not reversed. The latest scientific reports indicate that global warming is, if scientific reports indicate that global warming is, if anything, increasing faster than we previously thought, anything, increasing faster than we previously thought, leading to fears of unpredictable and cumulative effects and leading to fears of unpredictable and cumulative effects and of abrupt climate change. . .The removal of environmental of abrupt climate change. . .The removal of environmental regulations as part of the neo-liberal economics has only regulations as part of the neo-liberal economics has only served to heighten this ecological crisis” (The renewing of served to heighten this ecological crisis” (The renewing of socialism: an introduction, MONTHLY REVIEW 57(3), 2005). socialism: an introduction, MONTHLY REVIEW 57(3), 2005).

NUMEROUS SOURCES OF GLOBAL WARMINGNUMEROUS SOURCES OF GLOBAL WARMING

Growing global population clamouring for both basic and prestige resourcesGrowing global population clamouring for both basic and prestige resources

Growing proliferation of motor vehiclesGrowing proliferation of motor vehicles

Growing number of aeroplane flightsGrowing number of aeroplane flights

Overheating and overcooling of larger and larger dwelling unitsOverheating and overcooling of larger and larger dwelling units

Deforestation, animal production, rice productionDeforestation, animal production, rice production

Production of seemingly endless array of consumer products that in part Production of seemingly endless array of consumer products that in part serves to alleviate alienation of social life in modern or post-modern worldserves to alleviate alienation of social life in modern or post-modern world

CUMULATIVE CARBON EMISSIONS BY WORLD REGIONSCUMULATIVE CARBON EMISSIONS BY WORLD REGIONS

AmericasAmericas

USA, 27%; Canada, 2%; S. America; 3%; Central America, 1%USA, 27%; Canada, 2%; S. America; 3%; Central America, 1%

Europe – 24%Europe – 24%

AsiaAsia

E. Asia, 11%; Japan, 5%; S. Asia, 3%; SE Asia, 2%, Middle East, 2.5%E. Asia, 11%; Japan, 5%; S. Asia, 3%; SE Asia, 2%, Middle East, 2.5%

Africa – 2.5%Africa – 2.5%

Australasia – 1%Australasia – 1%

Other countries including small islands – less than 1%Other countries including small islands – less than 1%

Source: THE ATLAS OF CLIMATE CHANGE. Kirstin Dow & Thomas E. Dowining. Earthscan. Source: THE ATLAS OF CLIMATE CHANGE. Kirstin Dow & Thomas E. Dowining. Earthscan. 2006.2006.

ALLEGED WINNERS AND LOSERSALLEGED WINNERS AND LOSERS

Part of the climate change discourse has been the issue of “winners and Part of the climate change discourse has been the issue of “winners and losers,” namely some regions and some countries will suffer significant losers,” namely some regions and some countries will suffer significant health and social consequences others will, however, benefit from the health and social consequences others will, however, benefit from the diverse changes global warming ushers in:diverse changes global warming ushers in:

Commonly Cited LosersCommonly Cited Losers::• Countries in West Africa prone to drought under current conditions will face much more Countries in West Africa prone to drought under current conditions will face much more

severe conditions as the planet warmssevere conditions as the planet warms• Parts of central Asia, where temperatures already regularly exceed 40 degrees C, will Parts of central Asia, where temperatures already regularly exceed 40 degrees C, will

face even hotter temperatures with painful consequences in food productionface even hotter temperatures with painful consequences in food production• Increases of more than five degrees C in countries from Kazakhstan to Saudi Arabia, Increases of more than five degrees C in countries from Kazakhstan to Saudi Arabia,

could lead to widespread famine could lead to widespread famine • Based on current data on temperature increases four countries that could be among the Based on current data on temperature increases four countries that could be among the

biggest “losers” in global warming are” Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone and biggest “losers” in global warming are” Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone and Tanzania Tanzania

Commonly Cited WinnersCommonly Cited Winners• Luxembourg, given its location, could suffer little changeLuxembourg, given its location, could suffer little change• Other countries that some analyses say will have limited climate change are the UK, Other countries that some analyses say will have limited climate change are the UK,

Ireland in the Northern Hemisphere, and Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and New Zealand Ireland in the Northern Hemisphere, and Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and New Zealand • Minnesota and contiguous U.S. states and parts of Canada (the corn/soybean and Minnesota and contiguous U.S. states and parts of Canada (the corn/soybean and

wheat belts) are said by some analyses to be likely winners, with increased food wheat belts) are said by some analyses to be likely winners, with increased food productionproduction

WHAT’S WRONG WITH SILVER LINING THINKINGWHAT’S WRONG WITH SILVER LINING THINKING

Generally, Global Warming Winner/Loser thinking asserts that Generally, Global Warming Winner/Loser thinking asserts that current wealthier countries will do okay or even do better, while current wealthier countries will do okay or even do better, while poorer countries will not be able to adapt, will face the most severe poorer countries will not be able to adapt, will face the most severe weather and other changes, and will do the worst (weather and other changes, and will do the worst (Core winners, Core winners, peripheral losers assumptionperipheral losers assumption).).

There are at least four primary short comings of Silver Lining There are at least four primary short comings of Silver Lining ThinkingThinking

Global warming is not unidimensional, it entails multiple changes of Global warming is not unidimensional, it entails multiple changes of diverse sortsdiverse sorts

In a global world, disaster in one place has impacts in many placesIn a global world, disaster in one place has impacts in many places We do not understand global warming to fully anticipate all We do not understand global warming to fully anticipate all

consequence, including secondary and tertiary consequences, and consequence, including secondary and tertiary consequences, and further down the line consequences.further down the line consequences.

Its not just global warming: other pollution and environmental Its not just global warming: other pollution and environmental degradation.degradation.

PROBLEMS WITH UNIDEMENTIONAL ANALYSESPROBLEMS WITH UNIDEMENTIONAL ANALYSES

Water is a critical component of global warming changes.Water is a critical component of global warming changes. Some location will indeed get more rainfall suggesting increased Some location will indeed get more rainfall suggesting increased

agricultural production, but will it come at the right time of year?agricultural production, but will it come at the right time of year? Snowmelt runoff will decrease in many places, significantly so Snowmelt runoff will decrease in many places, significantly so

we lose winter and snowfall increasingly turns into to rain. we lose winter and snowfall increasingly turns into to rain. This will mean more runoff in “winter” and less in the spring and This will mean more runoff in “winter” and less in the spring and

summer when it is more likely to be needed for irrigation and summer when it is more likely to be needed for irrigation and other agricultural purposes.other agricultural purposes.

And, as seen in the U.S. midwest this summer, more flooding of And, as seen in the U.S. midwest this summer, more flooding of so-called “winner regions.”so-called “winner regions.”

Similarly one consequence of global warming is vector Similarly one consequence of global warming is vector movement: new diseases will present challenges for so called movement: new diseases will present challenges for so called “winner regions”“winner regions”

Also forested area, like those in northern North America are very Also forested area, like those in northern North America are very susceptible to insect attacks, and songbirds are a major form of susceptible to insect attacks, and songbirds are a major form of insect control. if the birds move further north, as has already insect control. if the birds move further north, as has already begun, forests may be more susceptible to insect attacks, which begun, forests may be more susceptible to insect attacks, which means more dead wood, which means more fire. The whole means more dead wood, which means more fire. The whole nature of the forest can change rapidly.nature of the forest can change rapidly.

GLOBAL ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL GLOBAL ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL INTERCONNECTIVITYINTERCONNECTIVITY

David Rind of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies: David Rind of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies: “We may say that we’re more technologically able than “We may say that we’re more technologically able than earlier societies. But one thing about climate change is earlier societies. But one thing about climate change is it’s potentially geopolitically destabilizing.”it’s potentially geopolitically destabilizing.”

We should be cautious about accepting the idea that we We should be cautious about accepting the idea that we can define future "winners" and "losers" in part because can define future "winners" and "losers" in part because countries or regions that appear to be "winners" countries or regions that appear to be "winners" climatically may find themselves inundated by migrants climatically may find themselves inundated by migrants from so called “loser areas” because of the rise in sea-from so called “loser areas” because of the rise in sea-level and associated disasters, flooding, droughts and level and associated disasters, flooding, droughts and agricultural devastation.agricultural devastation.

Will Argentina or northern North America feel like it is Will Argentina or northern North America feel like it is winning in a world of mass starvation?winning in a world of mass starvation?

INADEQUATE KNOWLEDGEINADEQUATE KNOWLEDGE

Example: Will Minnesota be a winner?Example: Will Minnesota be a winner? One model, developed by David Rind, says no.One model, developed by David Rind, says no. It suggests that Minnesota and indeed most of the It suggests that Minnesota and indeed most of the

continental United States will experience increasingly continental United States will experience increasingly frequent and prolonged droughts. frequent and prolonged droughts.

It is based on the interpretation that current climate It is based on the interpretation that current climate change models underestimate the intensification of change models underestimate the intensification of drought because they do not use detailed enough drought because they do not use detailed enough models of land surfaces.models of land surfaces.

Consequently, Minnesota may be more like Missouri and Consequently, Minnesota may be more like Missouri and Arkansas by the end of the 21Arkansas by the end of the 21stst century, or it may be century, or it may be more like the Mohave Desert. more like the Mohave Desert.

NOT JUST GLOBAL WARMINGNOT JUST GLOBAL WARMING

Global warming is only one of the manmade environmental threats Global warming is only one of the manmade environmental threats we facewe face

Other include: nuclear dumping, ocean life depletion, notable Other include: nuclear dumping, ocean life depletion, notable quantities of pharmaceutical and illicit drugs in human sewage, quantities of pharmaceutical and illicit drugs in human sewage, pesticide pollution, air pollution, plastic pollution, wetland loss, etc.pesticide pollution, air pollution, plastic pollution, wetland loss, etc.

We have termed the interconnectedness of global warming with We have termed the interconnectedness of global warming with other adverse environmental changes caused by human activities other adverse environmental changes caused by human activities the the pluralea syndromepluralea syndrome ( (plurplur, short in Latin for plures, meaning , short in Latin for plures, meaning “many” and “many” and aleaalea meaning risk or hazards, and syndrome, Greek for meaning risk or hazards, and syndrome, Greek for “run together”.)“run together”.)

The U.S. cornbelt, for example, might have some gains (more so in The U.S. cornbelt, for example, might have some gains (more so in some places than others) from global warming, that are none the some places than others) from global warming, that are none the less lost to other environmental destruction like loss of wetlands that less lost to other environmental destruction like loss of wetlands that absorb water, manmade changes to rivers, and other changes that absorb water, manmade changes to rivers, and other changes that appear to have contributed to the extensive flood of the summer of appear to have contributed to the extensive flood of the summer of 2008.2008.

To imagine that global To imagine that global warming is a game with warming is a game with “winners” and “losers” “winners” and “losers” may be the surest way to may be the surest way to make losers of us all.make losers of us all. Kurt Cobb, freelance writerKurt Cobb, freelance writer

IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON HUMAN SOCIETIES – IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON HUMAN SOCIETIES – SUBSISTENCE AND WATER SUPPLYSUBSISTENCE AND WATER SUPPLY

Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (2004) (A multinational study)Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (2004) (A multinational study)

Loss of sea ice for hunting & fishing: polar bears & sealsLoss of sea ice for hunting & fishing: polar bears & seals

Coastal erosion impacting upon Inuit villages Coastal erosion impacting upon Inuit villages

Decline in caribou herdsDecline in caribou herds

Andean peoples impacted by retreat of glaciers, loss of drinking water & agricultural waterAndean peoples impacted by retreat of glaciers, loss of drinking water & agricultural water

UN Food & Agriculture OrganisationUN Food & Agriculture Organisation

Warned that some 40 of poorest developing societies with some 2 billion people are in danger of malnutrition, in part Warned that some 40 of poorest developing societies with some 2 billion people are in danger of malnutrition, in part related to global warmingrelated to global warming

Droughts impacting upon pastoralists in E. Africa, as well as flooding & vector-borne diseaseDroughts impacting upon pastoralists in E. Africa, as well as flooding & vector-borne disease

Island populations: low islands face salinization of growing sites, sinkage below seas; higher islands face Island populations: low islands face salinization of growing sites, sinkage below seas; higher islands face costal erosion, firescostal erosion, fires

S. Pacific, Torres Strait Islands, E. Timor, and MaldivesS. Pacific, Torres Strait Islands, E. Timor, and Maldives

Tuvalu Islanders resettling as “environmental refugees” in NZTuvalu Islanders resettling as “environmental refugees” in NZ

IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING – SETTLEMENT PATTERNSIMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING – SETTLEMENT PATTERNS

Over 300M people live within metre of sea levelOver 300M people live within metre of sea level

Est. 10M environmental refugees in world, including climate refugeesEst. 10M environmental refugees in world, including climate refugees

Coastal cities in danger of flooding: Shanghai, Calcutta, Lagos, London, Coastal cities in danger of flooding: Shanghai, Calcutta, Lagos, London, Rotterdam, NYC, Miami, and New OrleansRotterdam, NYC, Miami, and New Orleans

Populations under threat from rise in sea level: Vietnam, Bangladesh, PRC, Populations under threat from rise in sea level: Vietnam, Bangladesh, PRC, India, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, EgyptIndia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Egypt

Cities: Cities:

““constitute fragile entities vulnerable to stresses brought about by climate change” constitute fragile entities vulnerable to stresses brought about by climate change” (Tim Flannery, THE WEATHER MAKERS, 2005) (Tim Flannery, THE WEATHER MAKERS, 2005)

Heat islandsHeat islands

IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON HEALTHIMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON HEALTH

Appears to be primary impetus behind spread of infectious diseases to environmentsAppears to be primary impetus behind spread of infectious diseases to environments

North & south of equator and upland North & south of equator and upland

Heat exhaustionHeat exhaustion

35,000 deaths in Europe in 200335,000 deaths in Europe in 2003

Air pollution linked to longer, warmer summersAir pollution linked to longer, warmer summers

Affects people with respiratory problems (e.g, asthma), weeds & allergiesAffects people with respiratory problems (e.g, asthma), weeds & allergies

Diseases of global warmingDiseases of global warming

Tropical diseases (e.g., malaria, West Nile, and dengue fever) that spread to new placesTropical diseases (e.g., malaria, West Nile, and dengue fever) that spread to new places

Failing nutrition due to desertification of pastoral areas or flooding of agricultural areasFailing nutrition due to desertification of pastoral areas or flooding of agricultural areas

GLOBAL WARMING AND SYNDEMICSGLOBAL WARMING AND SYNDEMICS

Global warming is likely to have a significant impact on human (and animal and Global warming is likely to have a significant impact on human (and animal and probably plant diseases). We have all heard about the spread of malaria or West probably plant diseases). We have all heard about the spread of malaria or West Nile. But there is a tendency to think of individual diseases rather than Nile. But there is a tendency to think of individual diseases rather than diseases that interact.diseases that interact.

The termThe term Syndemic Syndemic refers to the concentration of two or more diseases or other refers to the concentration of two or more diseases or other health conditions in a population in which there is some level of health conditions in a population in which there is some level of biological biological interactioninteraction among the diseases and health conditions that magnifies the negative among the diseases and health conditions that magnifies the negative health effects of one or more of the comorbid diseases or health conditions. health effects of one or more of the comorbid diseases or health conditions.

Syndemic theorySyndemic theory seeks to draw attention to and provide a framework for the seeks to draw attention to and provide a framework for the analysis of these interactions, including their causes and consequences for human analysis of these interactions, including their causes and consequences for human life and well-being. life and well-being.

Syndemics tend to develop Syndemics tend to develop under conditions of health disparityunder conditions of health disparity, caused by , caused by poverty, stress, or structural violence, and contribute to a significant burden of poverty, stress, or structural violence, and contribute to a significant burden of disease in affected populations.disease in affected populations.

The term The term EcosyndemicsEcosyndemics refers to disease interactions produced by global warming refers to disease interactions produced by global warming or other environmental changes.or other environmental changes.

ECOSYNDEMICSECOSYNDEMICS

From a syndemic perspective, what is critical is From a syndemic perspective, what is critical is not that diseases move, but rather where, and not that diseases move, but rather where, and why they move, and what happens to them in why they move, and what happens to them in their new environments. their new environments.

Critical questions include: Critical questions include: To what degree will they cluster with other diseases in To what degree will they cluster with other diseases in

new host populations? new host populations? Which other diseases will they encounter there? Which other diseases will they encounter there? How will they interact with these newly encountered How will they interact with these newly encountered

disease counterparts?disease counterparts? What consequence will these interactions have for What consequence will these interactions have for

human health?human health?

THE LESHMANIA AND HIV ECOSYNDEMICTHE LESHMANIA AND HIV ECOSYNDEMIC

One are of concern for ecosyndemics are the “neglected tropical diseases” One are of concern for ecosyndemics are the “neglected tropical diseases” in that these may begin to spread to virgin terrain beyond the tropics as the in that these may begin to spread to virgin terrain beyond the tropics as the conditions that facilitate their diffusion are produced by global warming. conditions that facilitate their diffusion are produced by global warming.

For example, global warming already is impacting the global movement of For example, global warming already is impacting the global movement of leishmaniasis, a disease spread by sandflies (biting insects that resemble leishmaniasis, a disease spread by sandflies (biting insects that resemble mosquitoes). mosquitoes).

The most common symptoms are skin sores (that can leave permanent The most common symptoms are skin sores (that can leave permanent scarring)scarring), lesions can lead to partial or even total destruction of the mucous , lesions can lead to partial or even total destruction of the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and throat cavities resulting in disabling membranes of the nose, mouth and throat cavities resulting in disabling disfigurement. disfigurement. Visceral leishmaniasisVisceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most severe expression (VL) is the most severe expression of this disease .of this disease .

In Europe, the disease is endemic in the Mediterranean region. Existing In Europe, the disease is endemic in the Mediterranean region. Existing evidence indicates that the strain known as evidence indicates that the strain known as Leishmania infantumLeishmania infantum is is prevalent only within narrow isotherms, in January (5–(50ºF/10ºC) and July prevalent only within narrow isotherms, in January (5–(50ºF/10ºC) and July (65-80ºF/20–30ºC). (65-80ºF/20–30ºC).

Current models of global warming in Europe predict a dramatic increase in Current models of global warming in Europe predict a dramatic increase in Leishmania in northern Europe Leishmania in northern Europe

THE LESHMANIA AND HIV ECOSYNDEMICTHE LESHMANIA AND HIV ECOSYNDEMIC

The epidemiology of VL is undergoing importance changes as a The epidemiology of VL is undergoing importance changes as a result of increasing levels of co-infection with HIV. result of increasing levels of co-infection with HIV.

HIV/VL co-infection is now reported in over 30 countries in Africa, HIV/VL co-infection is now reported in over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America. Asia, Europe, and South America.

The World Health Organization reports that over 70% of HIV cases The World Health Organization reports that over 70% of HIV cases in southern Europe are co-infected with VL. in southern Europe are co-infected with VL.

In particular, Spain, Italy, and southern France are seeing a growing In particular, Spain, Italy, and southern France are seeing a growing incidence of co-infection among youth, including those engaged in incidence of co-infection among youth, including those engaged in injection drug use (which may be service as a vector-free route of injection drug use (which may be service as a vector-free route of VL transmission). VL transmission).

People co-infected with HIV and VL have a lowered level of immune People co-infected with HIV and VL have a lowered level of immune capacity to contain the infection and keep it from progressing. VL, capacity to contain the infection and keep it from progressing. VL, in turn, has been found to stimulate the replication of HIV. in turn, has been found to stimulate the replication of HIV.

VL/HIV, in short, represents a growing ecosyndemic with potential to VL/HIV, in short, represents a growing ecosyndemic with potential to spread to many parts of the world as a result of global warming. spread to many parts of the world as a result of global warming.

POVERTY, INJUSTICE AND ECOSYNDEMICPOVERTY, INJUSTICE AND ECOSYNDEMIC

According to Olav Kjorven, head of the UN Development Program's According to Olav Kjorven, head of the UN Development Program's bureau for development policy, because of global warming: 600 bureau for development policy, because of global warming: 600 million more people in sub-Saharan Africa will go hungry from million more people in sub-Saharan Africa will go hungry from collapsing agriculture, an extra 400 million people will be exposed to collapsing agriculture, an extra 400 million people will be exposed to malaria and other diseases and an added 200 million will be flooded malaria and other diseases and an added 200 million will be flooded out of their homes by 2015out of their homes by 2015

Kjorven: “The countries of the world that are the principal culprits, if Kjorven: “The countries of the world that are the principal culprits, if you wish, for creating this problem in the first place need to act you wish, for creating this problem in the first place need to act strongly to safeguard the future of those that have done nothing to strongly to safeguard the future of those that have done nothing to cause this problem but are the most vulnerable.”cause this problem but are the most vulnerable.”

Developed countries, meanwhile, are failing to meet their targets Developed countries, meanwhile, are failing to meet their targets under the current climate treaty, the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, for cutting under the current climate treaty, the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, for cutting greenhouse gases by 2012, according to the 2007/08 greenhouse gases by 2012, according to the 2007/08 UN Human UN Human Development Report.Development Report.

According to the report: “increased exposure to drought, to more According to the report: “increased exposure to drought, to more intense storms, to floods and environmental stress is holding back intense storms, to floods and environmental stress is holding back the efforts of the world's poor to build a better life for themselves the efforts of the world's poor to build a better life for themselves and their children.” and their children.”

GLOBAL WARMING AS MAINSTREAM ISSUEGLOBAL WARMING AS MAINSTREAM ISSUE

Al Gore’s film and book: THE INCONVENIENT TRUTHAl Gore’s film and book: THE INCONVENIENT TRUTH

Nicholas Stern ReportNicholas Stern Report

THE AGE vs. THE AUSTRALIANTHE AGE vs. THE AUSTRALIAN

Various corporations, environmental groups, and IPCC advocates of “green Various corporations, environmental groups, and IPCC advocates of “green capitalism”capitalism”

Alternative forms of energy: solar, wind, thermal, nuclear, biofuelsAlternative forms of energy: solar, wind, thermal, nuclear, biofuels

carbon trading & carbon off-settingcarbon trading & carbon off-setting

Accepts notion of continual economic growthAccepts notion of continual economic growth

Tend to ignore social justice issues: social inequalityTend to ignore social justice issues: social inequality

““GREEN RED” OR CRITICAL ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE GREEN RED” OR CRITICAL ANTHROPOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

ON GLOBAL WARMINGON GLOBAL WARMING

Social systems do not last foreverSocial systems do not last forever

Either local, regional, or global Either local, regional, or global

Global capitalism has been around 500 yrs Global capitalism has been around 500 yrs

Numerous inherent contradictions Numerous inherent contradictions

Must be transcended to ensure survival of humanity and animal and plant lifeMust be transcended to ensure survival of humanity and animal and plant life

Well-entrenched system (including within universities) Well-entrenched system (including within universities)

Need for alternative global systemNeed for alternative global system

One committed to meeting people’s basic needs, social equity and justice, One committed to meeting people’s basic needs, social equity and justice, democracy, and environmental sustainabilitydemocracy, and environmental sustainability

Global democracy, Earth democracy, economic democracy, democratic eco-socialism Global democracy, Earth democracy, economic democracy, democratic eco-socialism

VISION OF DEMOCRATIC ECO-SOCIALISMVISION OF DEMOCRATIC ECO-SOCIALISM

Public ownership of means of productionPublic ownership of means of production

Increasing social equalityIncreasing social equality

Within and between nation-statesWithin and between nation-states

Workers’ or proletarian democracyWorkers’ or proletarian democracy

Environmental sustainabilityEnvironmental sustainability

Source: MEDICAL ANTHROPOLOGY AND THE WORLD SYSTEM: Source: MEDICAL ANTHROPOLOGY AND THE WORLD SYSTEM: A CRTICAL PERSPECTIVE. Hans A. Baer, Merrill Singer, and A CRTICAL PERSPECTIVE. Hans A. Baer, Merrill Singer, and Ida Susser (2Ida Susser (2ndnd edition, Praeger, 2003) edition, Praeger, 2003)

ANTI-SYSTEMIC MOVEMENTS AND ORGANISATIONS ANTI-SYSTEMIC MOVEMENTS AND ORGANISATIONS CHALLENGING GLOBAL CAPITALISM TO SOME DEGREE CHALLENGING GLOBAL CAPITALISM TO SOME DEGREE

Global justice movementGlobal justice movement

Environmental movementEnvironmental movement

Indigenous rights and ethnic rights movementsIndigenous rights and ethnic rights movements

Labour movementLabour movement

Climate or anti-global warming movementClimate or anti-global warming movement

Progressive parties: socialist, anarchist, green, maybe even Progressive parties: socialist, anarchist, green, maybe even social democraticsocial democratic

THE EMERGING CLIMATE JUSTICE MOVEMENTTHE EMERGING CLIMATE JUSTICE MOVEMENT

Alliance of Small Island StatesAlliance of Small Island States

Est. in 1992 at UN Framework Convention on Climate ChangeEst. in 1992 at UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

International Climate Justice NetworkInternational Climate Justice Network

Indigenous Forum on Climate ChangeIndigenous Forum on Climate Change

Inuit Circumpolar ConferenceInuit Circumpolar Conference

Durban Group for Climate JusticeDurban Group for Climate Justice

Environmental Justice and Climate Change Initiative (US)Environmental Justice and Climate Change Initiative (US)

And other groups around the worldAnd other groups around the world

CLIMATE JUSTICE MOVEMENT IN AUSTRALIACLIMATE JUSTICE MOVEMENT IN AUSTRALIA

Friends of the Earth AustraliaFriends of the Earth Australia

Climate Action Network AustraliaClimate Action Network Australia

Australian Conservation FoundationAustralian Conservation Foundation

Socialist groupsSocialist groups

Socialist Alliance, Solidarity, etcSocialist Alliance, Solidarity, etc

Presumably many other local groups involved in issues relating to global warming or climate change Presumably many other local groups involved in issues relating to global warming or climate change around Australiaaround Australia

Climate Movement Convergence in Melbourne, 9 Feb 2008:Climate Movement Convergence in Melbourne, 9 Feb 2008:

Friend of the Earth, Green Innovations, Sustainable Living Foundation, Carbon Equity, Zero Friend of the Earth, Green Innovations, Sustainable Living Foundation, Carbon Equity, Zero Emissions Now, Greenpeace, Moreland Energy Foundation, Environment Victoria, Western Region Emissions Now, Greenpeace, Moreland Energy Foundation, Environment Victoria, Western Region Environment Centre, Socialist Alliance, Solidarity, etcEnvironment Centre, Socialist Alliance, Solidarity, etc

Climate Emergency Network Climate Emergency Network

TWO BROAD PERSPECTIVES IN CLIMATE MOVEMENTTWO BROAD PERSPECTIVES IN CLIMATE MOVEMENT

Green social democraticGreen social democratic

Lobby politiciansLobby politicians

Persuade business peoplePersuade business people

Regulate capitalismRegulate capitalism

Renewable energy sources, nuclear energy, ‘clean coal,’ carbon trading, carbon off-sets, carbon taxesRenewable energy sources, nuclear energy, ‘clean coal,’ carbon trading, carbon off-sets, carbon taxes

ALP, most GreensALP, most Greens

Democratic eco-socialistDemocratic eco-socialist

Ultimate aim to transcend capitalismUltimate aim to transcend capitalism

Changes in production patterns and infrastructure of consumption (e.g., advertising and marketing)Changes in production patterns and infrastructure of consumption (e.g., advertising and marketing)

• Move beyond Green consumerismMove beyond Green consumerism

Transitional reforms: public utilities and transportation, renewable energy, create labour-environmental coalition, etc Transitional reforms: public utilities and transportation, renewable energy, create labour-environmental coalition, etc

Andre Gorz on ‘reformist reforms’ and non-reformist reformsAndre Gorz on ‘reformist reforms’ and non-reformist reforms

Socialists within Green Party and socialist groupsSocialists within Green Party and socialist groups

A FORTHCOMING BOOK ON GLOBAL WARMINGA FORTHCOMING BOOK ON GLOBAL WARMING

GLOBAL WARMING AND THE POLITICAL ECOLOGY OF HEALTH: EMERGING CRISES AND ANTI-SYSTEMIC SYSTEMS. GLOBAL WARMING AND THE POLITICAL ECOLOGY OF HEALTH: EMERGING CRISES AND ANTI-SYSTEMIC SYSTEMS. Hans A. Baer and Merrill Singer. Contracted with Left Coast Press (forthcoming IN 2008).Hans A. Baer and Merrill Singer. Contracted with Left Coast Press (forthcoming IN 2008).

IntroductionIntroduction

Chapter 1 – Global warming: a grave contradiction of the capitalist world systemChapter 1 – Global warming: a grave contradiction of the capitalist world system

Chapter 2 – Lifeways at peril: the impact of global warming on socio-cultural systems and Chapter 2 – Lifeways at peril: the impact of global warming on socio-cultural systems and settlement patternssettlement patterns

Chapter 3 – An age of extremes: consequences for human subsistence, water, and Chapter 3 – An age of extremes: consequences for human subsistence, water, and nutritionnutrition

Chapter 4 – Disturbed planet: heat stress, pollutants and environmental diseasesChapter 4 – Disturbed planet: heat stress, pollutants and environmental diseases

Chapter 5 – Agents of suffering: the spread of vector-born and water-borne Chapter 5 – Agents of suffering: the spread of vector-born and water-borne infectionsinfections Chapter 6 – Eco-syndemics: bio-social disease synergy and changing environmentsChapter 6 – Eco-syndemics: bio-social disease synergy and changing environments

Chapter 7 – Adaptation vs. mitigation: why existing climate regimes and ‘green Chapter 7 – Adaptation vs. mitigation: why existing climate regimes and ‘green capitalism’ are not enough to contain global warming?capitalism’ are not enough to contain global warming?

Chapter 8 – Toward a healthier planet: creation of a democratic eco-socialist worlChapter 8 – Toward a healthier planet: creation of a democratic eco-socialist worl systemsystem