Climate Change - Business as Usual

Unpredictable weather is on the increase. Scientists, politicians, business leaders and activists all agree climate change is happening. They differ only in what needs to be done about it. Politicians and business leaders are finding increasing ways to make money out of the destruction of the planet with initiatives as varied as carbon trading to expensive green solutions. Activists meanwhile believe we need a change in culture and mindset if we are ever to deal with climate change. They argue we need to think and act locally, that we need to be self-sufficient in our lifestyles.

Climate change is, and will, continue to bring severe weather patterns. Whilst people like to joke about how we could do with some warmer weather, and dream of long hot summers, the reality is very different, and much scarier. This is one of the reasons people have started to talk about "climate change" instead of "global warming". Whilst global warming is happening, the language gives a false impression. We will experience severe and variable weather. Torrential rain, flooding, gales etcetera are all set to become the norm rather than the exception.

Storms and rising water levels are already bring new challenges to the home insurance industry. Recent deluges have seen claims rocket, and premiums soar. After recent incidents such as the flooding of Tewkesbury and the devastation at Boscastle, businesses have had to re-evaluate how they are insuring against extreme weather. This has lead to some companies now refusing to insure home owners living on the flood plains, or in other vulnerable areas, such as exposed coastal homes.

However, with new applications rising as rapidly as the water levels - a growth of 150% was reported on the morning of the last predicted storm - the home insurance industry is meeting the challenge and has quickly realised there is profit to be made from climate change.

Specialist home insurance companies are emerging, set up to charge extortionate rates to those who the more mainstream ones are refusing to touch. The insurance industry is, as ever, ready and willing to capitalise on others justified and genuine fear and misery.

Whilst shopping around at price comparison sites may get you a better rate, the principle remains the same - climate change is becoming just another commodity. The business world has been fast to recognise and grab the new opportunities for money making.

However, herein lies the problem. Climate change has been caused by the growth of Western capitalism. If we allow this growth to continue, we will end up with a devastated world where, as usual, the rich will get richer and the poor will be screwed.

It is only when we start tackling the roots of capitalism that we can deal with climate change and see green shoots of recovery. This is if we ever hope to build a future for our children which is beneficial to both people and planet.