We Alter the Reality

Squarzoni starts off by pointing out towards the fact that we tend to look at the false representation of reality and we do so because it fits our desires. I cannot agree more to this assertion because since the beginning of this semester where I have come to learn about the issue of climate change, I often debate with myself on certain behaviors like should I drive to the mall or should I just take the public transportation to save fuel and to be honest, like a lot of people, I usually prefer driving and I like to think that just one more trip in my car won’t hurt the environment but the truth is that even just one trip burns fuel and emits various gases which adds to the damage of our ozone layer. This is the evidence that most people try to fit the reality to their desires by altering it and building a fake representation of it in their mind.

One thing that struck me the most is the fact that if “all the humans start living like an average American, we will need 5 or 6 planets” and this shows the discrimination between the standards of living of people in different countries because, as mentioned by Squarzoni, those who are responsible for the climate change are going to be affected the least whereas those who barely have carbon footprints would suffer the most. Although I am not among one of those unfortunate people (Thank God), it still frustrates me to think about this injustice and I cannot imagine how the third world countries react to this inequality. The drawing of the plate pushed from the edge of the table symbolizes this frustration that societies are also pushed to the edge by the tension of climate change ad its consequences that would be faced mainly by the people of third world countries.