It seems like it's been a long time since we've heard something exciting in politics. OK, the 2016 primaries and election were titanic, so maybe I am thinking of something exciting with a catchy name. The "Green New Deal" certainly fits the bill, along with the original "New Deal" and the "War on Poverty."
The Green New Deal (GND) may be a slogan, but it signifies a solution to growing inequality and perceived loss of the American Dream. This is coupled to an effort to address climate change, which arguably has already caused hurricane chaos, polar vortices, vanishing islands and heat waves.
The problem is greenhouses gases, frontlined by carbon dioxide, but also joined by methane and other potent molecules. These gases absorb a portion of the infrared/heat returning from the earth's surface, preventing it from getting back to space. This is what makes earth habitable in the first place, but too much can overheat the earth, throwing the ecosystems humans depend on out of whack.
The face of the GND, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has caused a ruckus led by her supporters but also conservative opponents. In a world where media rules, she is a gift to all chattering classes. Even her worst detractors love her because she provides so many talking points.
She starts first by reminding fellow Americans (US) that we met the challenge of World War 2 by rationing and sacrificing to win. The GND aims for 100% renewable energy supporting a new
working class with decent jobs and secure futures. The energy will be produced with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Ocasio introduces some humor and terror when she explains that trees need to be planted to compensate for the few airplanes and flatulent cows that will be left. One can only imagine the campaign money from agricultural and aviation interests going to opposition politicians now.
However, Ocasio-Cortez makes some points that should be implemented right away. Industrial agriculture is a known large emitter of methane and land practices interfere with carbon capture by soil. Eating part or all vegetarian and minimizing food waste are good for the pocketbook and the planet. Ground transportation is slowly becoming electrified, and hybrid and electric vehicles are now available and competitive in each consumer sector. Solar and wind power are growing in popularity, and the solar installer jobs do help local and national economies.
Ocasio-Cortez’s detractors are especially leery of the big government nature of her programs. The speed of the energy transition in the GND vision arguably makes libertarians squirm and squeal. Indeed, it is currently tempting to think we can do without government and instead think that the free market will save us. This sentiment is profoundly intimated in Simon and Garfunkel’s lyrics “I am a rock, I am an island.” Regarding the environment, though, nothing could be further from the truth. We all breath the same air and drink the water that was formerly upstream! Abraham Lincoln famously adapted John Wycliffe’s Bible prologue of 1384 (!) to say that government is of the people, by the people, and for the people. Our government is participatory, but it also must benefit common people. This is why one always hears elected officials talk about their constituents. Without significant and smart governmental involvement, the needed benefits of the GND will not materialize.
No matter what the government does, though, it’s still up to individuals to make smart decisions for themselves, their families, and the planet. The iconic concept of the environmental movement, “50 Ways to Save the Earth,” provides the list-conscious consumer a way to manage their carbon footprint. Concerted individual action can cause notable changes for the better if enough individuals participate. An increasingly networked society provides opportunities for good ideas to spread. Examples are the increasing popularity of bicycling for fun, health, and commuting, the rise in amateur gourmet kitchens and especially environmental/social awareness such as how coffee is grown.
So, it’s time to get back to carpooling, hopping on the bus, eating vegetarian once a week (eggplant or portabella mushroom, anyone?), monitor our electricity usage and read a book or newspaper with our feet up.
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