The condition of our world at the moment is controversially divided. This division ranges from political to climatic. Getting the world on one page will be a profound shift that would remedy many existing world issues today. When looking at the world and many of its issues from a realist perspective, one can be accused of being insensitive and send many people into upheaval. In regards to climate change, the realist perspective challenges the claim of it even existing at all, and if it does exist, then it was meant to happen (it’s natural). When considering what a realist might consider the core elements of politics, I believe a realist would consider realpolitik and the national interest as core elements of international politics.
To begin, in regards to the Climate Change strikes, a realist opinion of the whole ordeal would be that all of the noise is a waste of time and money. According to a CBS News Story on Climate change, the director of The Heartland Institute, which is a conservative think tank, argues that climate change may not be necessarily bad. During the interview he describes how cold weather has killed more people, and warmer weather is healthier for people. He also states that “The climate change efforts are disproportionate to what science says is necessary”. Using his realist analysis, he comes to the conclusion that the effects of climate change and global warming are natural occurrences that were inevitable, and they cannot be blamed on human behavior. Since the realist mindset directs itself toward challenging the validity of the concern of climate change, then the motivation of the protest is futile, and they could be using all of the money and energy for better things.
Furthermore, regarding the realist view interweaving Realpolitik in relation to the Climate change strikes, realists would conclude that the opportunity cost outweighs the benefit, therefore making it a waste of time and money to have a Climate strikes . They would argue that since climate change is not necessarily a bad thing in their eyes, maybe instead of spending money to support the efforts to combat climate change, then maybe more money should be allocated to help society adjust its living standards to the changes of the climate, since some realists view climate change as a natural occurrence. A realist could also simply argue that the money can be used for any other beneficial initiative other than climate change, which is not an initiative that needs more funding. The director of The Heartland Institute also mentioned his belief that climate change will no longer be the topic of conversation 10 years from now. If an issue could possibly lose relevance within a decade, it decreases the need for investment.
Moreover, when considering national interest, a realist would say that a climate change strike does not fit within the national interest. The national interest concerns what is good for the nation as a whole. A realist would argue that these protests are self-serving to a cause that is draining the countries available funds and putting them towards useless efforts like reducing greenhouse gasses. Realist became even more motivated when President Trump called climate change a “hoax”. When someone in such a high political rank supports an idea, it increases the impact. Trump’s impact is even stronger due to his controversial media presence. His views grasp the attention of not only the U.S, but of the world, which adds strength to the realist point of view on climate change.
In conclusion, a realist perspective on climate change strikes rules that the whole initiative is a waste of time and money. Through the lens of believing that climate change is not bad for the earth and accepting it as a natural occurrence that we as dwellers of the global community have to just deal with calls for a completely different approach towards the issue. The Heartland Institute has taken it as far as sending textbooks to colleges and high schools' around the US. These textbooks teach that climate change isn't a phenomenon that people should be afraid of, in fact, it may be a good thing. Whether people agree with their views or not, the realist view is rooted in objectivity, which is why there is an emphasis on core elements of politics, like realpolitik and natural interests. All in all, realists possess views that they believe have the capacity to achieve what they feel is best for society.
Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKd30j1HX48
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