The Solutions are Already Here: Strategies for Ecological Revolution from Below

International governmental responses to the climate emergency are structurally incapable of solving the crisis, but grassroots networks of local communities are working to realize their visions of an alternative revolutionary response. Gelderloos interviews activists in Venezuela, Brazil, and Indonesia who are fighting against megaprojects and neocolonialist policies to transform their cities and win a dignified survival.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 20 February 2022
Publisher: Pluto Press

Are alternative energies and Green New Deals enough to deliver environmental justice?

Peter Gelderloos argues that international governmental responses to the climate emergency are structurally incapable of solving the crisis. However, there is hope.

Across the world, grassroots networks of local communities are working to realize their visions of an alternative revolutionary response to planetary destruction, often pitted against the new megaprojects promoted by greenwashed alternative energy infrastructures and the neocolonialist, technocratic policies that are the forerunners of the Green New Deal.

Gelderloos interviews food sovereignty activists in Venezuela, Indigenous communities reforesting their lands in Brazil, and anarchists fighting biofuel plantations in Indonesia, looking at the battles that have cancelled airports, stopped pipelines, and helped the most marginalized to fight borders and environmental racism, to transform their cities, to win a dignified survival.

The Green New Deal is a set of policies and initiatives aimed at addressing climate change and creating a more sustainable and equitable society. It includes a range of measures, such as investing in renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating jobs in the clean energy sector. While the Green New Deal has been praised for its potential to address climate change, it has also faced criticism from some who argue that it is not enough to deliver environmental justice.

One of the main criticisms of the Green New Deal is that it focuses too much on centralized solutions, such as large-scale renewable energy projects and government intervention, and not enough on empowering local communities and promoting sustainable practices. Some critics argue that the Green New Deal fails to address the root causes of environmental degradation, such as economic inequality and corporate power, and that it may even exacerbate these problems by promoting the expansion of fossil fuel industries.

Another criticism of the Green New Deal is that it may not be able to achieve its goals in a timely manner. Some experts argue that the scale of the proposed changes is too large and that it will take decades to implement, which could lead to missed opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Despite these criticisms, there are also many supporters of the Green New Deal who argue that it is a necessary step towards creating a more sustainable and just society. They argue that the Green New Deal provides a framework for addressing climate change and other environmental challenges, and that it can be implemented in a way that promotes community-driven solutions and supports marginalized communities.

One of the key strengths of the Green New Deal is its focus on renewable energy. Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, are cleaner and more sustainable than fossil fuels and can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The Green New Deal also includes measures to promote energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption, which can help to reduce the demand for fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Another strength of the Green New Deal is its focus on job creation. The clean energy sector is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the economy, and the Green New Deal aims to create millions of jobs in this sector. This can help to reduce unemployment and promote economic growth, while also providing workers with stable and well-paying jobs.

The Green New Deal also includes measures to address environmental justice and promote equity. For example, it includes provisions to invest in communities that have been historically marginalized and have been disproportionately affected by environmental degradation, such as communities of color and low-income communities. It also includes measures to promote sustainable agriculture and food systems, which can help to improve food security and reduce food waste.

In conclusion, while the Green New Deal faces criticisms and challenges, it is a necessary step towards creating a more sustainable and just society. The Green New Deal provides a framework for addressing climate change and other environmental challenges, and it can be implemented in a way that promotes community-driven solutions and supports marginalized communities. However, it is important to ensure that the Green New Deal is implemented in a way that is equitable and sustainable, and that it addresses the root causes of environmental degradation.

Weight: 264g
Dimension: 136 x 215 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780745345116