radical glossary

RADICAL GLOSSARY RADICAL GLOSSARY RADICAL GLOSSARY

Anti-capitalist: USyd Enviro recognises that the current ecological crisis is not a market failure, but a crisis stemming from capitalism itself; infinite growth is impossible on a planet of finite resources. Environmentalists should recognise that capitalism chases profits while neglecting wider society. To pursue a sustainable future, we must recognise that this system is not viable, and instead fight for workers, BIPOC and everyone alienated by capitalism.

Anti-colonial: So-called Australia is the product of colonial exploitation and expansion. White supremacy, white saviourism, and violent dispossession are intrinsic to this nation. Colonialism is inherently violent. It justifies the continuous oppression of Indigenous peoples in various forms including economic exploitation, limitations upon sovereignty and autonomy, genocide and stolen generations, and police brutality. It is imperative that we recognise the global violence of colonialism and incorporate anti-colonialist stances in our activism, supporting and platforming Indigenous peoples and causes.

Eco-socialism: Anti-capitalism must provide solutions and alternatives to the climate crisis. In embracing eco-socialism, USYD Enviro fights to abandon the capitalist mode of production and create a system run by the masses. We believe that workers should control production, incorporating strong environmental politics.

Anti-cop/ACAB/1312: Police forces exist to protect private property, with no real interest in attaining justice for the working class and marginalised. By being anti-cop, USYD Enviro acknowledges that the police frequently obstruct effective industrial action and actively work against our interests. The police are responsible for 434 Aboriginal deaths in custody since 1991 and frequently assault activists during protests and blockades.

Indigenous sovereignty: USYD Enviro Collective acknowledges that the land on which we conduct our activism is unceded Indigenous land. We should learn from the complex knowledge of land management and sustainability that Australia’s Indigenous peoples have developed over many millennia. Country was violently stolen in 1788. Indigenous peoples are still the owners of this land: their sovereignty and autonomy was never ceded. Indigenous sovereignty is intrinsic to united struggles against colonialism and environmental degradation.

Just Transition: The concept of a just transition recognises the transition to renewable energy could be detrimental to the workers who depend on the fossil fuels industry. A just transition accommodates the needs of the working class, fairly compensating and re-training those in polluting industries. Decarbonisation should not leave workers behind.

ASEN: Australian Student Environmental Network, a collective of like minded students who meet and agitate for radical environmental change. When Enviro people from one uni talk to other Enviro people from another campus, chances are they are all in ASEN. ASEN is the big umbrella that brings us together in this anti-capitalist and anticolonialist movement. Together we are

Art by Paola Arye