A coaching approach to global warming

Category: Coaching Notes

Coaching Notes If we were to take a coaching approach to climate change and global warming, we could use scenario planning, the GROW model and setting well formed outcomes.

First, let us consider a scenario planning approach.

What do we know but cannot control?

We know that levels of carbon dioxide have risen to very high levels.

We know that in the foreseeable future we shall continue to generate more (and more) carbon dioxide

We know that if the earth were heavily re-afforested it would have minimal impact on the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

We know that ice on Greenland and Antractica has started to melt

What do we not know and cannot control?

We do not know the precise impact of carbon dioxide levels on temperature

We do not know the precise impact of temperature levels on 'wild' weather

We do not know the precise impact of meltng ice on sea levels

We cannot forecast 'wild cards' like changes in major ocean currents, in particular the Gulf Stream

What could be the key factors in scenarios we should study?

Sea level rise

Desertification

Improved agriculture in extreme northern and southern countries

Extinction/environmental stress of key species

Diseases from insect spread

Loss of water supplies from snow melt run-off

What options could deal with selected possible scenarios?

Abandonment of vast coastal areas and planning for mass migration

Allowing 'natural selection' in which third world populations are massively reduced by flooding, starvation and disease.

Massive dam building to trap water once held in glaciers

The trouble is that the options are so mind blowingly enormous that it is much easier to focus on playing at the margin with a little carbon trading. Unfortunately this is similar to 'fiddling while Rome burns' or 'arranging deckchairs on the Titanic'.

So let us now apply a classic coaching model?

First, select a higher level Goal. "To develop or maintain an acceptable form of civilisation".

What is the Reality? The realities are that climate change is already in process and that it cannot be reversed in less than a factor of millions of years.

What are the Options? We can plan to reduce carbon dioxide production. We can plan for major global changes as a result of weather changes and sea level rises; including flooding of major capital cities and low lying countries, changes in water supply, changes in agricultural possibilities.

What are we Willing to do? Hold a conference in Bali and agree some more carbon reduction targets to be broken.

Now let's use the setting well formed outcomes process.

What positive outcome should we set for an individual government?

"Plan towards creating a sustainable future that takes account of possible major changes in climate and environment, and the needs of other nations."

Is this within the control of an individual government?

Yes

When and where should this be done?

Immediately, with a review of the impact of climate change on land use, food/water supply and migration.

What will the achievement of this outcome do for you?

Survival and avoidance of major wars

What might stop you achieving this outcome?

Short term politics; lack of education of the public; vested interests

How will you know when you have achieved this outcome?

When the population and other governments recognise and commit to the challenge

How will achieving this affect other areas of life?

It will severely challenge established ideas, industry, land use and patterns of living

What is the first action you must take to achieve this outcome?

Recognise that production limits will not reduce existing carbon dioxide levels and are a necessary but insufficient strategy. Publish sea level and flooding projections on a local basis.

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