Role of Social Institutions and Environmental Solidarity for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

Abstract

Individual choices when it comes to consumption are mainly the bosom of the woes the world is facing on climate change issues. Our choice for choosing to leave our light on even when not in use or in broad daylight, making beef the preference and having have to satisfy our large cravings for chocolate has in one way or the other contributed to large emissions of greenhouse. However, it is undeniable that social institutions are the ulterior motives behind human consuming lifestyle. There is large research and literature on the link between institutions and climate. In modern times, there have been introduction of institutions to buckle climate change and global warming issues. However, attention has been shifted from ancient institutions; incorporating the pillars of already existing social institution is insightful as they have been in existence and have seen society through various transitions. It is high time workable strategies are employed by social institution as the family, economy, education, health and government for climate change adaptation, mitigation and sustainable consumption. This paper emphasizes the family and government institutions roles for climate change adaptation and mitigation and orienting the world into sustainable consumption. Further, the scholarship employs theories from the three main sociological theoretical perspectives: structural functionalist, conflict theory and symbolic interaction to establish that solidarity is core if we've got a shot for adaptation and mitigation.