Catalonia: Summer, climate change and capitalism
By Laura Casas
At this point, It is more than evident to us that we are going through a climate change in Catalonia and in the entire world.. In recent weeks we have suffered a very intense heat wave in Catalonia that makes us question the possibility of sustaining life as we have known it until now if these conditions become the norm instead of the exception..
To put it in data, Until the 1990s, it was common for there to be one or two heat waves throughout the summer., accumulating about ten days maximum. In 2022 we come toforty-one days of extreme temperatures. Yes temperatures are a problem, water is too. We have been suffering a historic drought for months. The data shows how each year it rains fewer days and does so more intensely, which makes it difficult to use water and causes more damage. This year, reservoirs are at historical records, filled only to 24% of its average capacity.
In these conditions of extreme heat and drought, fires are also frequent, that since 2011 add up to more than 37.000 hectares burned in Catalonia, with special relevance in Empordà, the Terres de l’Ebre and theCatalu Central. The consequences of the fires are the destruction of flora and fauna and, often, also crops and homes.
It is evident that climate change is taking us down the rocky road, but what made us get here? It is evident that the current economic system, the capitalism, has a lot to do with it. The increase in industries and transportation distances generates many carbon dioxide emissions that alter the atmosphere and temperatures. But not only that, extractivism, speculation and exploitation of natural resources and the labor force of the working class also has to do with. To reverse the climate catastrophe it is necessary to end capitalism on a global scale, but we must understand that perhaps there will be irreversible changes in climatic conditions and the availability of resources. In this context, it is important to produce and distribute democratically, in favor of the majority, unlike what is currently happening.
We have a very clear example with water.. A drought is not the same as a water shortage.. In recent months, regulations have been applied to reduce spending, But who have these measures affected the most?? To the working class. since may, Water has been restricted for public fountains and for watering common areas of gardens and parks in cities., which has made access to drinking water difficult for the most vulnerable sectors of the city and prevented citizens from having cool recreational spaces where they can take refuge from the heat.. In the meantime, The use of water has been allowed throughout the tourism sector: hotels with full pools and golf courses with green grass. Now that summer and the tourist season are over, We will see how the restrictions are tightened again.
Another important issue in resource management is territory management., increasingly used extractively and recreationally, without taking into account its importance in the maintenance of ecosystems. Catalonia has been suffering from rural depopulation for years., land abandonment and unsustainable growth of forest mass, that burns very quickly and widely with just a spark. There need to be forests, yes, but it is necessary that these be clean, someone take care of them, let some flock graze. It is also necessary that there be less and less continuously, that is to say, it is necessary to recover agricultural land. It will not only act for the prevention of fires, It also plays a key role in maintaining spices and providing quality food to the entire society..
Climate change represents a change in human life and the planet at all levels., But we must be aware that human existence in itself is not dangerous for the planet., and avoid falling into eco-fascist positions. If there is someone responsible for the destruction of the territory, of climate change and the worsening of our lives, this is capitalism and we must fight it to continue living, it's the only way.
