Ever wondered what drives young activists to fight for climate change? Do you ponder why they call out for a 'Global Green New Deal'? How does the rise of eco-fascism impact this fight? Are we heading towards climate barbarism or are we capable of creating a cooperative, fair world? Dive into the intricate stories that shape our identities and explore the need for transformative change.

On Fire: The Burning Case for a Green New Deal

Have you ever wondered what kind of world we're leaving for future generations, as climate change accelerates and our planet faces unprecedented challenges? 

Picture this: On a March morning in 2019, thousands of students from around the globe skipped school, not out of rebellion, but as an act of defiance against inaction on the climate crisis. They took to the streets, their voices united, demanding change. From Milan to Montreal, they cried, "There is no Planet B!" and "Don't burn our future!" But what drove these young souls to such a desperate plea?

It wasn't just education on the vanishing wonders of the world, like ancient glaciers and exotic mammals, that radicalized them. It was living the reality of climate change. In Cape Town, a severe drought nearly left millions without water. In Vanuatu, residents feared coastal erosion. In New York, memories of Superstorm Sandy were vivid. And in Mozambique, Cyclone Idai's wrath was a stark reminder of the emergency at hand.

These young people are the first generation to experience climate disruption on a planetary scale, and they are speaking out. They've seen leaders deny the science and fail to act, and they refuse to inherit a world aflame with negligence. They're pushing for a radical shift, a "Global Green New Deal," demanding a future that's not only livable but fair and just for all.

But as they raise their voices, another sinister reality looms: the rise of eco-fascism. The Christchurch massacre, a grim showcase of violence and hatred, was a reminder that the climate crisis is also fueling divisive ideologies. The shooter's manifesto mentioned environmental warfare, an alarming signal that as we face a future of forced migrations and resource scarcity, some will choose division over unity, hoarding over sharing, and walls over bridges.

We can't afford to ignore the lessons history teaches us. From the New Deal to the Marshall Plan, we've seen that societal transformation is possible when we act collectively and with purpose. The climate strikers are calling for nothing less. They're asking us to wake up, to change our politics, our economics, to stop competing and start cooperating.

Are We Ignoring the Desperate Plea of Our Youth for a Sustainable Future?

In the past decade, a shift in public opinion has occurred regarding climate change, with a significant portion of the American populace now denying the existence of climate change. This denialism is not solely motivated by disagreement with scientific data, but also by a fear of the economic and social implications of addressing climate change. 

Many deniers believe that tackling climate change would require a drastic reorganization of our economic systems, a direct threat to their free-market ideologies. They argue that addressing climate change requires collective action, regulation of corporations, taxing the wealthy, and a shift away from consumerism, all of which are antithetical to their worldview. 

However, the denial of climate change not only stems from a fear of economic upheaval, but also a lack of empathy for those most affected by climate change. Many deniers are wealthy individuals who are less likely to be personally affected by climate change. 

This denialism is also tied to corporate interests, with many deniers having financial ties to fossil fuel companies. These companies have a vested interest in denying climate change as addressing the issue would require cutting back on fossil fuel use and thus their profits. 

Ultimately, addressing climate change will require a radical shift in our economic and cultural values, moving away from a focus on individualism and capitalism and towards a worldview focused on interdependence, cooperation, and respect for natural limits. This will require a concerted effort from not only environmentalists, but also from those working on social justice issues, as climate change is not an isolated issue but is tied to larger issues of inequality and corporate power.

The denial of climate change is not simply a denial of scientific facts, but a denial of the need for systemic change. It is a defense of a status quo that is not only unsustainable, but is actively leading us towards disaster. And until we confront this denialism and the faulty ideologies that underpin it, we will be unable to make the changes necessary to address climate change.


Denialism at its Peak: Unveiling the Economic and Social Fears Behind Climate Change Denial

As we stand on the brink of a climate crisis, we must take a moment to think about our role as individuals in this predicament. We all have a responsibility to play a part in addressing this escalating issue, but it's important to remember that we cannot do it alone.

As societies, we've become disconnected from our surroundings, caught up in consumerism and oblivious to the changes happening in the natural world. Climate change requires that we consume less, but being consumers is all we know. We live our lives through screens, unaware of the health of our planet until disaster strikes. 

Our changing climate is a geophysics problem that demands collective action on a scale that humanity has never accomplished before. We need to create integrated solutions that not only reduce emissions but also tackle structural inequality. This requires a radical change in our economic system, moving away from the consumerist culture that is driving climate change.

Moreover, we need to stop trying to save the world on our own and realize the importance of collective action. Our future depends on the actions we take today, not as individuals, but as part of a global movement. We are all part of this transformation and it's through our combined efforts that we can make a difference. 

So, let's ask ourselves, is it time to change our behavior and reduce our use of fossil fuels before we start tampering with the planet's basic life-support systems? 

And remember, while we all have a part to play, the weight of the world does not rest on any one individual's shoulders. It rests in the strength of the collective movement that millions are already a part of. We are free to do the kind of work that will sustain us so that we can all stay in this movement for the long run. Because that's what it will take.

Are We Ignoring Our Collective Responsibility in the Face of Climate Crisis?

On June 29, 2015, the author was invited to speak about Pope Francis's climate change encyclical, "Laudato si" at the Vatican. The encyclical itself was an inspiring mix of climate reality and a critique of capitalism's role in our environmental crisis, questioning our "harmful habits of consumption."

Dinners and discussions swirled around the political ramifications of Pope Francis's messages, especially with his trip to the U.S. looming. The encyclical's timing, clashing with the Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage, had diluted its impact somewhat, but the message was clear—Francis was shifting the Church's focus from personal morality to economic justice.

The encyclical itself was a revelation, challenging centuries of theological interpretation by valuing nature intrinsically, not just as a resource for humans. It echoed the sentiments of many indigenous and marginalized communities worldwide. This wasn't just about stewardship but about care, a passion for the natural world.

By July 2, "Laudato si'" had become a global sensation, its message disseminated through mugs and calendars, yet its revolutionary potential was still being unpacked at the "People and Planet First" gathering. Figures like Mary Robinson and Enele Sopoaga, the prime minister of Tuvalu, highlighted the urgent need for action.

The Vatican's transformation could be a model for all institutions, showing that deep, radical change is possible.

Next, consider the powerful essay "Let Them Drown" by Naomi Klein, delivered in May 2016. It argued that a culture that undervalues the lives of black and brown people is the same that will let their countries vanish beneath rising seas or scorch in the heat. 

Environmentalism cannot be separated from issues of colonialism, militarism, and other forms of oppression. Climate change, after all, is an "accelerant" to social ills, demanding integrated solutions and a united front across all struggles for justice.

Pope Francis, Climate Advocacy, and the Vatican's Revolutionary Pivot: Rising Above Compartmentalized Activism

Ever realized how our stories shape our identities and the world around us? Let's dive into a tale of transformation and challenge the notion of endlessness.

Ever heard of the Leap Manifesto? It's a bold call to action that emerged from Canada in 2015 and is now rippling across the globe, challenging us to leap towards a sustainable future that's fair for all. But why this leap, and why now?

Our planet is at a tipping point. Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it's knocking on our door with the force of a thousand hurricanes. And while we've been told that a strong economy means sacrificing the environment, the plummeting oil prices of 2011 revealed a crack in that narrative. It showed us that we could have neither—or we could reimagine a world where caring for each other and our planet drives our economy.

So, a group of thinkers and activists gathered in Toronto, sparking the genesis of the Leap Manifesto. They envisaged a Canada powered by renewable energy, woven with accessible public transit, and bursting with opportunities that bridge racial and gender divides.

Proposing radical change is no cakewalk, especially when it goes against the grain of a nation's identity. Canada, like many other countries with a colonial past, has a history intertwined with the exploitation of natural resources, often ignoring the limits and rights of Indigenous peoples.

And it's not just about Canada. When we look at the global stage, we see the same patterns of relentless resource extraction and the marginalization of frontline communities. From the tar sands in Alberta to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the relentless pursuit of fossil fuels is propelling us towards a climate catastrophe.

But what if we embraced a new narrative? One where we acknowledge our interconnectedness and the finite nature of our world? Where Indigenous wisdom guides us in regenerating the Earth rather than depleting it?

The Leap challenges us to embrace a future where justice is not an afterthought but the foundation of our climate action. It's a call to invest in green jobs that enrich our communities, to ensure energy democracy, and to prioritize the rights and voices of those who have been historically silenced.

Are You Ready to Take the Leap and Challenge the Myth of Endlessness?

In 2017, wildfires blazed across North America, Europe, and Africa, leading to a summer filled with smoke. 

In British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, the sky was smudged by wildfire smoke, creating an artificial weather system that affected an area covering roughly a hundred thousand square miles. The smoke led to air quality warnings and health problems, with areas of Vancouver reaching three times the safe threshold for air quality. 

The heart of the disaster, where the flames were fiercest, had far worse air quality. In Kamloops, which was housing many of the evacuees, the air quality was so poor it was comparable to Beijing on its worst days. 

The wildfires led to a state of emergency being declared and extended twice, with hundreds of buildings destroyed and entire communities reduced to ash. In total, roughly 1,800 square miles of forest, farm, and grassland burned, making it the second-largest fire disaster in British Columbia’s history. This disaster drew attention to the delicate balance between humanity and the core elements that have kept life in equilibrium.

The fires also highlighted the social, racial, and economic divides within society. Prison labor was used to fight the flames in California, with inmates paid a staggeringly low hourly rate of one dollar. In Canada, hundreds of South African workers were contracted to help fight the fires, only to discover they were being paid significantly less than their Canadian counterparts. 

The wildfires also affected the natural world, with wildlife losing their homes and rivers of bright red fire retardant seeping into waterways, threatening fish. The fires also released large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and creating a feedback loop of warming and drying conditions leading to more fires. 

The wildfires serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance of our planet and the urgent need for action on climate change.

2017 Wildfires: A Stark Reminder of Climate Change and Social Inequity

Dwindling economies, escalating climate chaos and the growing disregard for human lives especially those of the black and brown people, are the alarming highlights of the current moment. 

It's a moment where crises have merged, magnifying each other like a multi-headed beast. It also mirrors the current state of the US, under a president who is hard to dislodge. Whether it's climate change or the nuclear threat, Trump's crisis could echo through geologic time.

Against this backdrop, Puerto Rico stands as a stark example of how a society can crumble under the weight of political negligence and natural disasters. The Caribbean and southern United States are in the midst of an unprecedented hurricane season, with Puerto Rico hit by Irma and Maria. The island's power, communication, water systems are severely compromised, and its citizens are in desperate need of help. But just like during Hurricane Katrina, the government's help is missing.

The exploitation of such crises to push through policies that further enrich a small elite is a phenomenon called the shock doctrine. We saw it after the 2008 financial crash and we see it now with how Brexit is being used to push through disastrous pro-corporate trade deals. Puerto Rico is a microcosm of a much larger global crisis, one that contains elements of accelerating climate chaos, militarism, colonialism, a weak public sphere, and a dysfunctional democracy.

But here's an important message: Moments of crisis do not have to go the shock doctrine route. They can be moments when we find our best selves, when we tap into reserves of strength and focus that we never knew we had. We see this at the grassroots level every time disaster strikes. We all witnessed it in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower catastrophe. Our progressive ancestors achieved that at key moments in history, and we can do it again, in this moment when everything is on the line. 

So, let's confront the economic order and try to replace it with something that is rooted in both human and planetary security. Let's demand more of ourselves, to pick up the slack until the United States manages to get its sewer system unclogged. This work, challenging as it is, is a crucial part of the path to victory. Because you went and showed us all that you can win. Now you have to win. We all do. This is no moment to bemoan our lost decades. It’s the moment to get on that path.

Can We Turn Moments of Crisis into a Pathway for Progressive Change?

In 2018, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned that global emissions need to be cut in half in less than twelve years. This target cannot be met without the world’s largest economy, the U.S., playing a game-changing leadership role. However, losing another four years to a Republican or a corporate Democrat could render this target a joke. 

The Green New Deal, championed by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Ed Markey, is a policy proposal that addresses the triple crisis of ecological unraveling, economic inequality, and surging white supremacy. 

The Green New Deal has the potential to be a massive job creator and recession-proof solution. It could raise an army of supporters and build new alliances. It's a plan that taps into the power of emergency, offering a robust framework for social and economic transformation. But its success will depend on the actions taken by social movements in the coming years. 

The Deal is about repairing our relationship with the earth and with each other. It calls for creating well-paying jobs, restoring and protecting threatened ecosystems, and cleaning up hazardous waste and abandoned sites. This is a potential lifeline that we all have a sacred and moral responsibility to reach for. 

The future has not yet been written. We can be whatever we have the courage to see. Now, it's time to turn the Green New Deal from a “wish list” into an irresistible story of the future, a vision that unites and expands all bases. We can be the ones who get the job done. Not someone else. Because for the environment, later will be too late. Later is officially over.


Green New Deal: A Vision for Future or an Epitaph for a Habitable Climate?

The increasing urgency of climate change and the visible effects on our planet have led to a global outcry, particularly from younger generations who are inheriting a world on the brink of environmental disaster. 

The widespread effects of climate change, from severe droughts to coastal erosion, are becoming the lived reality for many. Young people are demanding change, pushing for a radical shift towards a future that is not only livable, but fair and just for all. 

However, as they advocate for a greener world, the rise of eco-fascism threatens unity. As the world faces the possibility of forced migrations and resource scarcity, it is crucial to choose cooperation over division, and sharing over hoarding.

The choice is between climate barbarism, where the vulnerable are locked out and only the privileged are protected, and cooperation, where remaining resources are shared in a fair way, prioritizing humanity and the planet over profit. It is essential to wake up to the need for collective action and cooperation. 

The fight against climate change is not just about reducing emissions, but also about creating a more equitable and sustainable world. The world stands at a crossroads, with the power to extinguish the flames of negligence and build something new. The time to act is now.

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