Motivating Collective Action in Response to an Existential Threat: Critical Phenomenology in a Climate-Changing World Christion, Tim

 URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1794/24554

Date: 2019-04-30

Abstract:

In this dissertation, I analyze climate change as a collective action problem. Decades of consistent policy and indeed institutional failure suggest that climate change cannot be managed top-down by experts and politicians alone. Climate communicators must therefore take up the challenge of ethically and politically motivating public action on this issue. Unfortunately, the ethical and political logic of climate response presents profound challenges to public motivation that appears to confound thinkers in the climate literature across disciplines. I thus endeavors to rethink the climate situation today from the perspective of collective motivation. Doing justice to the complexities of this multifaceted problematic demands interdisciplinary analysis, but the equally pressing need for general comprehension requires philosophical synthesis. For the climate issue is at once global and intergenerational in scale, and is systemic to modern social and cultural institutions that have long-evolved to structure the way people relate to each other, to nature, and ultimately to the world of everyday experience. My thesis, then, is that this collective action problem is ultimately an existential problem that calls for an existential response. Specifically, I argue that the ethical and political implications of climate response are largely received as an “existential threat” to the extent that they unsettle the integrity of everyday existence lived in common. That is, the deeper implications of this issue roundly contradict the background structures of “lifeworld identity” informing collective experience at some of the most general (socio-cultural) levels of being in the world. The consequences of this existential problem present us with two “quandaries” that must be addressed coherently. The “quandary of denial” signifies the largely ethical challenges of motivating a collective response to the historical and material realities of the climate ‘problem.’ The “quandary of transition,” by contrast, speaks to the relatively political challenges of relating the climate problem as such to climate ‘solutions’ that are collectively meaningful enough to positively inspire viable ways forward. Finally, I conclude by drawing on Maurice Merleau-Ponty to advance a critical phenomenology of public motivation responsive to these two moments of the existential problem.

The Impact of Climate Change on Swedish Horticulture, Fruit Growing, and Seedling Nurseries

 

The Impact of Climate Change on Swedish Horticulture, Fruit Growing, and Seedling Nurseries

Climate change is reshaping the landscape of Swedish horticulture, fruit growing, and seedling nurseries. As global temperatures rise, Sweden faces unique challenges and opportunities in its agricultural sectors. This blog post explores the changes occurring in these areas and how they are adapting to the new climate reality.

Horticulture in a Changing Climate

Swedish horticulture is experiencing a shift due to climate change, with higher average temperatures and altered precipitation patterns affecting plant cultivation¹. The Swedish Food Agency has reported that climate impacts such as increased temperatures and more rain or droughts could lead to a rise in certain pathogens¹. This necessitates new strategies for controlling hazards that may become relevant in different food types, including fruits, berries, and vegetables¹.

Key Changes:

• Warmer winters, especially in northern parts
• Increased rainfall in winter and spring

• More frequent extreme weather events, such as floods and heatwaves¹

Fruit Growing Amidst Climatic Shifts

Fruit growers in Sweden are facing greater extremes in weather, from summer drought to increased winter rainfall². Traditional growing regions must adapt to earlier springs and longer, hotter summers, which affect water uptake in crops like apples and pears². The need for adequate water supply during the growing season becomes more critical for yield and quality, particularly in spring and summer².

Challenges for Fruit Growers:

• Reduced rainfall during summer
• Higher heat load on trees

• Increased evaporative loss from leaves and soil²

Seedling Nurseries and Climate Adaptation

Seedling nurseries in Sweden are also impacted by climate change. Different combinations of atmospheric CO2 concentration, air temperature, and soil moisture can alter seedling emergence and establishment³. This highlights the importance of understanding and adapting nursery practices to ensure the healthy growth of future forests and agricultural crops³.

Adaptation Measures:

• Monitoring soil moisture levels
• Adjusting nursery practices to changing climatic conditions³

Conclusion

The effects of climate change on Swedish horticulture, fruit growing, and seedling nurseries are evident and multifaceted. It is crucial for these sectors to implement adaptive measures to mitigate the risks and capitalize on new opportunities presented by a changing climate. By embracing innovation and sustainability, Sweden can continue to thrive in its agricultural pursuits despite the challenges ahead.

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For more information on how climate change is affecting Swedish agriculture and what measures are being taken, please refer to the detailed reports by the Swedish Food Agency¹ and other relevant studies²³.

Doctoral theses in sociology often explore the multifaceted impacts of climate change on rural environments.

 Table 1: Impact of Climate Change on Rural Livelihoods

Factor                         Description                                     Impact Level

Rainfall Variability        Changes in precipitation patterns             High

Temperature Increase Rise in average temperatures                     Medium

Extreme Weather Events        Frequency of droughts and floods         High

Crop Yield Changes Alterations in agricultural productivity     Medium

Table 2: Adaptation Strategies in Rural Communities

Strategy                             Implementation                         Effectiveness

Water Conservation    Rainwater harvesting systems       High

Diversified Crops            Planting climate-resilient varieties  Medium

Renewable Energy            Use of solar panels                         Low

Education and Training    Climate change awareness programs High

Table 3: Sociological Effects of Climate Change

Sociological Aspect             Pre-Climate Change             Post-Climate Change

Community Cohesion             Strong                                             Weakened

Migration Patterns                     Stable                                             Increased

Gender Roles                             Traditional                                        Evolving

Economic      Stability             Moderate                                     Declining

How Swedish Fruit Growing and Horticultural Businesses Cope with Climate Change

Sweden’s fruit growing and horticultural businesses are facing significant challenges due to climate change, particularly changes in rainfall patterns. This article explores how these businesses are adapting to the new climate realities and the financial aid available to support their efforts.

Adapting to Changes in Rainfall

The effects of climate change on fruit growing are profound, with increased winter rainfall and longer, hotter summers putting pressure on vital water resources1. Swedish growers are adapting by:

• Investing in efficient irrigation systems to cope with the drier summers and increased water uptake by crops.
• Implementing water conservation measures to minimize waste and preserve soil moisture.
• Adopting climate-resilient crop varieties that can withstand the changing weather patterns.

Financial Aid for Climate Resilience

To support farmers in their adaptation efforts, various grants and subsidies are available:

• The European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) provides basic payment schemes for farmers and supports sustainable farming methods2.
• Sweden’s national Strategic Plan 2023-2027 emphasizes improving the profitability of agriculture and increasing food production, with a focus on environmental and climate fields3.
• Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) initiatives offer technical assistance and financial support for investments in climate-resilient infrastructure4.

Case Study: Horticulture in a Swedish Region

In a specific region of Sweden, horticultural businesses have received aid to:

• Develop renewable energy sources for heating and powering greenhouses, reducing reliance on fossil fuels5.
• Implement green space factors in urban landscaping to enhance biodiversity and sustainability6.

Conclusion

Swedish fruit growing and horticultural businesses are proactively adapting to climate change with innovative practices and the support of financial aid. These efforts not only safeguard their livelihoods but also contribute to the overall sustainability of the region.

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For more information on climate change and agriculture, visit ADAMA, sweden.se, and the World Bank for insights into climate-resilient strategies and financial aid options.

Coping with Climate Change: Precipitation and Adaptation in Swedish, Finnish, and German Fruit Growing and Horticulture

 

Climate change is a pressing global issue that affects various sectors, including agriculture. In this blog post, we will conduct a comparative analysis of how fruit growing and horticultural businesses in Sweden, Finland, and Germany are adapting to changes in precipitation patterns due to climate change.

Sweden: Embracing the Change

In Sweden, climate change is leading to more favorable conditions for food production, with longer growing seasons and increased forestry growth1. However, this comes with challenges such as more frequent extreme weather events and severe crop pathogen attacks1. Swedish farmers are adapting through:

• Innovative Water Management: Implementing cutting-edge irrigation systems to cope with erratic rainfall.
• Government Support: The Swedish government provides financial aid and advisory services to help farmers adapt to climate change1.

Finland: The Northern Adaptation

Finnish agriculture benefits from longer growing seasons and more suitable crop conditions in parts of northern Europe2. Yet, they face threats from water scarcity, heatwaves, and heavy precipitation contributing to soil erosion2. Finnish farmers are responding with:

• Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting rainwater to use during dry spells.
• EU Support: The European Union offers financial assistance and research funding to support climate adaptation measures2.

Germany: Mitigating Climate Risks

German agriculture is affected by climate change, with potential impacts on yields, water availability, and biodiversity3. German farmers are mitigating these risks by:

• Crop Diversification: Growing a variety of crops to reduce the risk of crop failure due to climate extremes.
• Policy Measures: The EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) provides a framework for environmental and climate change objectives, influencing how German agriculture responds to climate change3.

Comparative Analysis

When comparing the three countries, several common strategies emerge:

• Efficient Water Use: All three countries are focusing on optimizing water use through advanced irrigation systems and rainwater harvesting.
• Government and EU Support: Financial aid, research funding, and advisory services are crucial for adaptation efforts in all three countries.
• Technological Innovation: Adoption of new technologies and practices is a key factor in the successful adaptation to changing precipitation patterns.

Conclusion

Adaptation to climate change in the field of fruit growing and horticulture is vital for the sustainability of agriculture in Europe. Sweden, Finland, and Germany showcase a range of strategies to cope with changes in precipitation, supported by national and EU-level initiatives.

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For further reading on climate change adaptation in agriculture, please refer to the detailed reports by the OECD, the European Environment Agency, and the European Parliament.