People's Green New Deal

The author of "A People's Green New Deal" argues that the Green New Deal should be committed to decommodification, working-class power, anti-imperialism, and agro-ecology to address the roots of the current socio-ecological crisis.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 224 pages
\n Publication date: 20 May 2021
\n Publisher: Pluto Press
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The Green New Deal, a concept introduced by US Congressperson Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2018, has gained widespread attention in the face of the global climate crisis. However, the question remains: what exactly is the Green New Deal, and who is it intended for? In this concise yet urgent book, Max Ajl offers a comprehensive overview of the various mainstream Green New Deals. Through a critical engagement with their proponents, ideological underpinnings, and limitations, Ajl proceeds to propose a radical alternative: a People's Green New Deal, committed to the decommodification of society, the empowerment of the working class, anti-imperialism, and agro-ecology.

Ajl identifies the roots of the current socio-ecological crisis as stemming from a world-system dominated by the logics of capitalism and imperialism. He argues that resolving this crisis necessitates a comprehensive transformation of infrastructure and agriculture in the Global North, as well as the industrial convergence between North and South. As the climate crisis intensifies and the literature on the subject expands, Ajl's book contributes a distinctive perspective to the ongoing debate.

The People's Green New Deal emphasizes the need to address not only the environmental but also the social and economic aspects of the climate crisis. It seeks to create a more equitable and sustainable society, where economic growth is aligned with environmental protection and social well-being. The deal proposes a range of measures, including the transition to renewable energy sources, the creation of new jobs in sustainable industries, and the implementation of social safety nets to support those affected by climate change.

One of the key aspects of the People's Green New Deal is its commitment to decommodification. This means breaking down the current economic system, which is based on the extraction and commodification of natural resources, and replacing it with a system that values sustainability and social justice. The deal proposes the creation of public ownership of key industries, such as energy, transportation, and housing, to ensure that these resources are used for the benefit of the public rather than private profit.

Another important aspect of the People's Green New Deal is its focus on working-class power. The deal recognizes that the climate crisis has disproportionately impacted marginalized communities, particularly those in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color. It seeks to empower these communities by promoting worker ownership and collective decision-making, and by ensuring that the benefits of sustainable development are shared equitably.

The People's Green New Deal also emphasizes the need for anti-imperialism in the fight against climate change. The deal recognizes that the Global North has historically been responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions and that the burden of climate change should not be borne solely by developing countries. It proposes the dismantling of colonialism, the promotion of international cooperation, and the redistribution of wealth and resources to address the climate crisis.

Agro-ecology is another key component of the People's Green New Deal. The deal recognizes that agriculture is a major contributor to climate change, and that sustainable farming practices can help mitigate the impacts of agriculture on the environment. The deal proposes the implementation of organic farming practices, the promotion of biodiversity, and the reduction of food waste.

In conclusion, the People's Green New Deal is a visionary and transformative proposal that seeks to address the global climate crisis in a comprehensive and sustainable manner. By focusing on the decommodification of society, the empowerment of the working class, anti-imperialism, and agro-ecology, the deal offers a radical alternative to the mainstream Green New Deals. While there are challenges and limitations to the proposal, it is a testament to the growing movement for social and environmental justice and a call to action for all of us to work together to create a more sustainable and equitable world.

\n Weight: 258g\n
Dimension: 141 x 217 x 19 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780745341750\n \n