Realistic Approach

The idea of realism takes many different forms. However, the pure form of realism looks at things from a practical aspect and focuses on achieving set objectives. This approach, I believe in essence, takes on an ideology along the lines of "by any means." 

So how would a self-identified realist view the climate change strikes last Friday?

Pressing, but not necessarily to an alarming extent.

Allow me to explain.

Any politician with a brain has been made aware of just how vital climate issues are becoming to the populis. There are a lot of people (mostly young) who are really motivated to press for change. However, any sensible politician (a realist) will also take a step back, and ask himself, "What is the most important thing to the majority of the world?" For that question, they will receive mixed answers. I believe that climate change will be on this list; however, it will be behind the global economy and other issues. At the end of the day, the majority of any population cares more for their pay-check than any other movement. So in the eyes of a realist, he will view the climate change issue as pressing, but until something of a larger magnitude takes place, it will always be in the backseat. There is no way to sugarcoat it. It will literally take climate change, substantially presenting itself for it to actually fully grasp the attention of any majority.

I personally view myself as holding views that are centered around realism. I think this personal connection allows me to approach the climate issue from an interesting perspective. The realist will put himself in the shoes of the MAJORITY of the population and make a decision accordingly. Even though climate change is arguably the most serious global crisis we face, getting reelected matters more. The realist will do whatever he has to do to maintain autonomy, even if that means ignoring an actual issue and tending to the perceived needs of society.