Professor Michael Pollitt exclusively for BIZLife: “Philosophers and Religion Needed to Help People Embrace a More Sustainable Way of Living”
*This interview was conducted exclusively for BIZLife magazine, the official media partner of the Sustainable Development Forum and was published in Serbian. Below is the English version of the conversation with Professor Michael Pollitt.
At this year’s Sustainable Development Forum (SDF) conference on green transition, set to take place in November in Belgrade, numerous experts in technology, policy, and sustainable development strategy will speak. One of the speakers is the distinguished expert in energy economics, Professor of Business Economics at the University of Cambridge, Michael Pollitt.
Professor Pollitt focuses on energy economics, particularly how economics can enhance growth, business performance, and environmental outcomes. He has authored numerous papers and books on the efficiency of energy markets, renewable energy sources, and the impact of regulatory changes on the energy sector. He is also actively involved in public policy and consulting, working with governments and international organizations on energy policy issues. As a recognized expert, he is often a guest lecturer and participant at conferences worldwide, including the Sustainable Development Forum in Belgrade, where he will be one of the main speakers. Exclusively for BIZLife, Professor Pollitt shared his views on the challenges the world faces.
Collective Political Will and Global Warming
Professor Pollitt emphasizes that the greatest challenge posed by global warming is the collective political will needed to address it. According to him, “the technologies and policies required to get the world to net zero largely exist, but the political will to put them in place does not”. He believes this is due to the highly uneven distribution of costs and benefits of effective climate policies, as well as the necessary competence and level of trust in government.
“Even if citizens agree to the policies there remains a question mark as to whether they can be delivered. One of the most worrying geopolitical developments is the increased willingness to sacrifice global order for short term political advantage”, explains Professor Pollitt, pointing out that such shortsightedness inevitably delays globally effective climate policy.
Sustainable Urban Development and the Role of Science in Climate Change
On the topic of challenges facing the modern world, Pollitt reminds us that it is important to recognize that cities are built on scientific and technological discoveries. Fossil fuels have brought immense benefits to humanity, increasing the planet’s capacity to support human life and raising living standards.
“Now science is helping us understand the side effects of fossil fuels on the planet. We now know much more about the extent to which the fossil fuel-based economy is bad for our health, for nature, and for the sustainability of human life”, he explains.
Pollitt believes that cities can lead sustainable development because their population density provides opportunities for smarter, lower-cost living in sustainable communities.
“I expect cities to lead the way in demonstrating the potential for healthier lifestyles which involve better use of space, infrastructure and a more circular economy”, adds Pollitt.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration and the Role of Philosophers
What is interesting about Professor Michael Pollitt’s views and speeches is his emphasis on the potential role of religion in addressing climate change and sustainability issues. He suggests that movements inspired by religion, similar to those that influenced civil rights and the end of apartheid, could accelerate the transition to zero emissions. In his deliberations, Pollitt explores the idea that religion can serve as a secret weapon in the fight against climate change, appealing to people’s moral and ethical sensitivities to promote a more sustainable approach to energy consumption and environmental conservation.
“Every intellectual discipline brings something unique to the study of sustainable development. In my studies of market design for the low carbon power system I have worked closely with electrical engineers, political scientists, and lawyers. In thinking about how we might convince European citizens to support an effective climate policy – which benefits the whole world – we will need the help of philosophers, theologians, sociologists, and psychologists. This is because changing hearts, lifestyles, and voting patterns is about more than just convincing people of the science”, concludes Pollitt.
The Power of Education and the Future of Sustainable Development
Interdisciplinary collaboration brings unique insights that are key to achieving sustainable development and changes that will positively impact humanity. Professor Michael Pollitt concludes that education has the power to change the world. As the great economic philosopher Deirdre McCloskey emphasizes, ideas have built the modern world we live in. Pollitt hopes that forums like the Sustainable Development Forum will inspire participants to make changes that contribute to a better future for all.