ecosocialism

ECO-SOCIALISM

by Drew Beacom, USyd Enviro Convenor 2021

Corporations tell us the market solution to climate change is what has come to be known as Green or Eco-capitalism and the new phenomenon of ‘green growth’. This new approach to the climate crisis has been encouraged in economic forums and international organisations such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the International Monetary Fund. While definitions may vary, ‘green growth’ boils down to creating economies with steady growth that decrease their carbon emissions and resource use (i.e. decoupling the trend of increasing GDP with increasing carbon emissions and resource use).

In theory, this provides the perfect solution to climate change for the privileged. Minimal changes in day to day life, while market solutions in conjunction with state incentives will guide us away from a fiery demise. But this is impossible. The reality is that the world’s top 100 polluters account for 71% of carbon emissions and the existential crisis facing us is not the fault of individuals but that of corrupt governments and large corporations, for whom these emissions are a byproduct of lucrative mining, fracking, manufacturing and agricultural activities. We live within an economic order that places value on our resources only if they can be used as tradeable materials, and cares little for the universal availability of fresh air and drinking water.

The need for anti-capitalist environmentalism is borne out of the recognition that we cannot sustain such a system, one that requires infinite growth on a planet with finite resources. This approach recognises that the way we prevent an ecological disaster is through direct action, putting power in the hands of the masses to create policy for the common good. The climate crisis demands nothing short of systematic and widespread reform and transformation, for it has highlighted the cracks and corruption that run deep in neoliberal capitalism. It has shown our society to be built on an ideology that exploits the environment, the working class and First Nations peoples globally.

As such, it is our responsibility to demand change selflessly, to seek a world in which all are free all from exploitation focusing on class solidarity and ensuring no worker is left behind as economies transition away from fossil fuels.

system change not climate change

An ecosocialist future is more popular than governments would have us think, too. We need only look to the increasing rates of socialisation of energy grids. This trend is most prominent in Germany, where strong grassroots campaigns in large industrial cities like Hamburg have resulted in community ownership of electricity. This step towards a form of ecosocialism has allowed for vital infrastructure to be controlled more democratically, paving the way for establishment of public energy collectives in place of privatelyowned and operated corporations. Community is prioritised over profits, and a renewables future is closer to fruition.

Although this is simply the first step, this marks a significant shift in environmentalism and fighting neoliberal capitalism. The goal for all those agitating for environmental justice should not simply be to meet emissions targets but to reclaim what is ours in the natural commons. We want a system that is democratic, environment and worker centric, that will fairly compensate and incorporate Indigenous peoples. Do not settle, fight and strike for a better future.