Half-Earth Socialism: A Plan to Save the Future from Extinction, Climate Change and Pandemics

A plan to save the earth and bring the good life to all

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 12 April 2022
Publisher: Verso Books

Over the next generation, humanity will face a dystopian future characterized by climate disasters and mass extinction. While the available solutions, such as toothless cap-and-trade programs, catastrophic geoengineering schemes, and privatized conservation, aim to address these challenges, they fall short of reversing the significant damage inflicted on the biosphere. These mainstream approaches assume that consumption in the Global North can continue unabated, which is simply not feasible. Recognizing this, environmental scholars Troy Vettese and Drew Pendergrass propose a radical solution: half-earth socialism. This transformative vision entails:

1. Rewilding half the Earth to absorb carbon emissions and restore biodiversity. This involves reestablishing natural ecosystems, promoting the growth of trees, and restoring the balance of wildlife populations. By doing so, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect endangered species.
2. A rapid transition to renewable energy sources, accompanied by drastic cuts in consumption by the world's wealthiest individuals and corporations. This shift would require a massive investment in clean energy technologies, as well as a shift towards more sustainable and circular economic practices.
3. Global veganism to reduce the energy and land use associated with animal agriculture. By adopting a plant-based diet, we can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. This would also have the benefit of promoting healthier diets and reducing the impact of food insecurity.
4. Worldwide socialist planning to efficiently and equitably manage production and distribution. This would involve the centralization of decision-making power and the redistribution of resources to ensure that everyone has access to basic needs, such as food, housing, and healthcare. It would also prioritize sustainable development and the protection of the environment.
5. The involvement of everyone, including individuals, communities, and governments, in the pursuit of half-earth socialism. This requires a collective effort to address the root causes of environmental degradation, such as inequality, corporate greed, and consumerism. It also calls for a shift in mindset and values, towards a more holistic and sustainable approach to life.

As this thrilling and provocative book makes clear, we cannot fully understand or control the Earth. However, we do have the power to control our economic system and regulate energy and land use for the common good. By embracing half-earth socialism, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for ourselves and future generations. It is time to take action and strive for a society that is able to provide a comfortable standard of living while stabilizing the environment.

Dimension: 210 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839760310