The Green New Deal Is Not Enough, We Need An Alternative Globalization

The Green New Deal is Not Enough: We Need an Alternative Globalization. 'A better world is possible,' by Michael Galant. Common Dreams, Jan. 27, 2019. Excerpts:

The Green New Deal is the most ambitious climate plan in Congress. Developed through years of grassroots activism and propelled to fame by the rising star of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the proposal has attracted the support of more than 40 members of Congress, Senators from Sanders to Booker, and even 64% of registered Republican voters.

While the details remain unclear, the general outline – a comprehensive, state-led transition to 100% renewable energy, founded on green jobs and economic justice – is both popular and necessary. Without a dramatic overhaul of the American economy, averting climate change will be impossible.

But domestic policies won’t be enough. From the birth of neoliberalism in the 70’s through the rapid economic globalization of the 90’s, the ruling parties of the Global North have spent decades constructing a global economic system rigged in the interests of capital. Placing short-term profits for the rich and powerful over the long-term wellbeing of people and planet, this system is specifically designed to undermine national programs like the Green New Deal.

And under this system, when neoliberal policies reach their inevitably disastrous conclusion, the rich seize on the ensuing crises to further the neoliberal agenda, while right-wing demagogues rise to power scapegoating their victims. At its root, climate change is a consequence of the power of capital. Neoliberal globalization is one of the greatest power grabs in history. Domestic policies like the Green New Deal, however necessary, are insufficient. To prevent global climate collapse and the emergent right-wing authoritarianism that lurks in its wings, the global economy must be radically restructured.

More, https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/27/green-new-deal-not-enough-we-need-alternative-globalization