Libertarian Perspective on Climate Change

There’s no way to rule innocent men. The only power government has is the power to crack down on criminals.

                                                                                                                                                                        - Ayn Rand

Climate change and global warming are significantly harming the environment, leading to many catastrophic events like floods, earthquakes, and landslides. However, when we look at the libertarian arguments of climate change, there are significantly important points that convince an individual to think as to what they are doing with the planet. Let’s have a deeper look.

Libertarian Perspective

When we are talking about the libertarian perspective, we must look at one of the key arguments they have argued, which is that excessive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which contribute to global warming, can be seen as a violation of the rights of those affected by climate change. When we look at it from a libertarian view, violating someone’s rights is only possible when acceptable if the person consents to it. However, the harmful effects of climate change impact individuals, including children and future generations, who cannot possibly give their consent.

 Therefore, a libertarian might argue that those who contribute to climate change by emitting too many GHGs have a responsibility to significantly reduce their emissions or compensate those whose rights have been infringed. One significant example of it is the disappearance of snow from Om parvat Uttarakhand which has raised concerns on the natural balance of the environment.

Conclusion

Libertarian perspective of climate change and global warming is linked to violation of individual freedom. When we contaminate teh environment we are not only contaminating earth but others as well in a way which can lead to diseases or any catastrophic events for which we do not have the right.