Evolutionary Challenges to Addressing Climate Change

Climate change, a pressing global threat, requires coordinated efforts and innovative solutions. However, a recent study by the University of Maine suggests that our evolution, which enabled human dominance on Earth, might pose challenges to effectively addressing climate change.

Evolutionary Influence on Environmental Adaptation

Published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, the study explores the historical impact of human evolution on the usage of environmental resources. It aims to understand how cultural adaptation processes that allow us to thrive and expand globally may counteract our efforts to combat modern ecological challenges.

Human Expansion Over Time

The research begins by examining the changing dynamics of human societies over the past 100,000 years. During this period, human groups evolved to progressively use resources more intensively, leading to more significant environmental impacts. This expansion was facilitated by cultural adaptations, accumulating traits that allowed humans to exploit and control environmental resources effectively.

What is Cultural Adaptation?

Cultural adaptation is the ability of humans and societies to adjust their culture in response to changes in the environment, whether natural or social. The extent of these cultural changes can range from minor adjustments in daily activities to significant transformations in various aspects like social, ethnic, psychological, and ideological elements, depending on the magnitude of environmental changes.

To learn more, watch this cultural adaptation cycle: 

Contemporary Environmental Challenges

However, as we reach the limits of the biosphere and face crises induced by industrial activities such as the use of fossil fuels, the very adaptations that once fueled our expansion are now contributing to threats against vital resources and overall safety.

Sustainable Systems Emergence

The study delves into the emergence of sustainable systems, revealing a nuanced picture. Sustainable systems often arise after groups struggle or fail to maintain their resources. 

This observation parallels historical instances, such as the U.S. regulating industrial emissions after recognizing the environmental impact of acid rain. Sustainable systems tend to address problems within existing societies, requiring regional cooperation and cultural evolution.

The Acid Rain Program (ARP) mandates significant cuts in sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from power plants to curb acid rain. The SO2 program imposes a permanent cap on total emissions, reaching 8.95 million tons by 2010, halving 1980 levels. 

NOx reductions employ a rate-based system. The ARP, launched in 1995, significantly cut emissions, using market-based incentives for flexibility and effectiveness. This pioneering cap and trade program set a precedent for reducing pollution and achieving environmental goals.