For example, imagine living in the world of PD James’ dystopian novel, The Children of Men. Here, mass
infertility means the last children have been born and the human race faces extinction as the population
gradually ages and diminishes. It’s a thought experiment, considering what society would look like if there
were no generations to follow us and no future – and it’s a vision of despair.
Long-term thinking
Contemplating inevitable decline reveals that we care not only that humanity continues to exist long after
we are gone, but that we care about whether it flourishes – even in the far future.
Consider those behind the construction of the towering cathedrals of the medieval age. They were often
built over more than a generation, so many of those who began work on them never survived to see their
project completed. But that didn’t stop them drawing the plans, laying the foundations or labouring over
their walls. The cathedrals were for the future, not just the now. Dealing with the climate crisis may require
similar long-term thinking.
So while the knowledge of climate destruction may sap motivation and induce anxiety, a long-term
perspective could also turn out to be motivating. With a firmer grasp of what’s at stake, it is possible that we
will be energised to do what we can to ensure that life a century – or more – from now is better than it
might otherwise have been.
Because one thing is given. If you are locked in a state of guilt, shame and depression, you may be incapable
of mustering motivation. Sure, the Antarctic ice sheets won’t melt any slower because you recycle. But
consider this: if you can inspire just a few people to lead greener lives, they may, in turn, inspire others –
and so forth.
People are capable of caring and billions of caring people together can make a difference, as we have seen
with the huge climate strikes all over the world. Together, we can force governments and corporations to
make the changes needed to slow the rate at which things get worse.
Whether we are going to be able to shed as many selfish desires as necessary to even just slow global
warming remains to be seen. Perhaps it takes a unique moment in history just as this to work out how far
humans are capable of going for the greater good. The answer may surprise us.
Neil Levy is a senior research fellow at the Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics at the University of Oxford. This
article first appeared on The Conversation