Planet on Fire: A Manifesto for the Age of Environmental Breakdown

The left should respond to the environment crisis by shifting the economy away from endless growth and towards creating a healthy and flourishing environment for everyone.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2021
Publisher: Verso Books

The environment is in a state of rapid collapse, exhibiting increasingly unpredictable patterns. In response to this pressing issue, Lawrence and Laybourn-Langton propose a multifaceted approach that goes beyond simply spending our way out of the crisis. They argue that a fundamental shift in the shape and purpose of the economy is necessary, moving away from the relentless pursuit of endless growth and towards the creation of a healthy and flourishing environment for all.

The authors suggest that the left should take a leading role in shaping this transformative agenda. They draw upon the debates surrounding the Green New Deal, highlighting its potential as a framework for addressing environmental degradation and promoting social justice. However, they argue that the Green New Deal alone is not sufficient to achieve the desired outcomes.

Lawrence and Laybourn-Langton propose a comprehensive set of policies and initiatives that aim to reshape the economy in a way that prioritizes sustainability, equity, and resilience. These include measures to promote renewable energy, invest in public infrastructure, implement a universal basic income, and promote sustainable agriculture and land use practices.

Furthermore, the authors argue that the left should also prioritize the development of a new political and economic narrative that emphasizes the interconnectedness of human beings and the natural world. They suggest that this narrative should be rooted in the principles of ecological wisdom, social justice, and human flourishing.

In conclusion, the environment is facing a crisis of unprecedented magnitude, and the left has a crucial role to play in shaping a response that addresses the root causes of environmental degradation and promotes a sustainable and equitable future. Lawrence and Laybourn-Langton's proposal for a rapid change in the shape and purpose of the economy, coupled with a focus on sustainability, equity, and resilience, offers a promising path forward. By adopting a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human beings and the natural world, the left can help build a more sustainable and prosperous world for generations to come.

Weight: 332g
Dimension: 137 x 206 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788738774