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Is wartime mobilisation a suitable policy model for rapid national climate mitigation?

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  • Delina, Laurence L.
  • Diesendorf, Mark

Abstract

Climate science suggests that, to have a high probability of limiting global warming to an average temperature increase of 2°C, global greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2020 and be reduced to close to zero by 2040. However, the current trend is heading towards at least 4°C by 2100 and little effective action is being taken. This paper commences the process of developing contingency plans for a scenario in which a sudden major global climate impact galvanises governments to implement emergency climate mitigation targets and programs. Climate activists assert that rapid mitigation is feasible, invoking the scale and scope of wartime mobilisation strategies. This paper draws upon historical accounts of social, technological and economic restructurings in several countries during World War 2 in order to investigate potential applications of wartime experience to radical, rigorous and rapid climate mitigation strategies. We focus on the energy sector, the biggest single contributor to global climate change, in developed and rapidly developing countries. We find that, while wartime experience suggests some potential strategies for rapid climate mitigation in the areas of finance and labour, it also has severe limitations, resulting from its lack of democratic processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Delina, Laurence L. & Diesendorf, Mark, 2013. "Is wartime mobilisation a suitable policy model for rapid national climate mitigation?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 371-380.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:58:y:2013:i:c:p:371-380
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2013.03.036
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    4. Kester, Johannes & Sovacool, Benjamin K., 2017. "Torn between war and peace: Critiquing the use of war to mobilize peaceful climate action," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 50-55.
    5. Laurence L. Delina, 2020. "Potentials and critiques of building a Southeast Asian interdisciplinary knowledge community on critical geoengineering studies," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 163(2), pages 973-987, November.
    6. Diesendorf, Mark & Elliston, Ben, 2018. "The feasibility of 100% renewable electricity systems: A response to critics," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 318-330.
    7. Kemp-Benedict, Eric, 2018. "Investing in a Green Transition," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 153(C), pages 218-236.
    8. Laurence Delina, 2017. "Multilateral development banking in a fragmented climate system: shifting priorities in energy finance at the Asian Development Bank," International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 73-88, February.
    9. Zimm, Caroline, 2021. "Improving the understanding of electric vehicle technology and policy diffusion across countries," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 105(C), pages 54-66.
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