How Can the Left Solve the Climate Crisis? | Benjamin Kunkel & Lola Seaton
Aug 17, 2023
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Benjamin Kunkel and Lola Seaton explore debates on decarbonizing the world economy, sustainable socialism, and feminist arguments for socialization of finance. They discuss deep growth vs green growth, the concept of de-growth, and the challenges of addressing the climate crisis with realism. The problem of power and the need for consciousness raising, left strategizing, and reflection are also highlighted.
The podcast explores different perspectives on how to decarbonize the world economy and build a sustainable future, including debates on eco-austerity, climate diplomacy, and potential revolutionary changes in society.
The podcast emphasizes the need to address not just decarbonization but other urgent environmental issues, such as water stress, biodiversity depletion, and ocean acidification, and highlights the importance of long-term visions and societal transformations in creating a more ecologically conscious future.
Deep dives
Main Idea 1 - Urgent Need for Action
The podcast discusses the pressing issue of the climate crisis and the lack of serious action taken by major world powers. The Earth is currently experiencing destructive blazes and unlivable temperatures, yet governments are failing to address the crisis effectively. Fossil fuel companies continue to profit, raising the question of what can be done to solve this global problem.
Main Idea 2 - Debates on Decarbonization and Building a Sustainable Future
The podcast explores the various debates on how to decarbonize the world economy and construct a sustainable future. Different perspectives are presented, such as discussions around eco-austerity, climate diplomacy, and the potential for revolutionary societal changes. The book 'Who Will Build the Ark?' offers an array of viewpoints, including those on de-growth, green growth, finance, feminist interventions, and the role of capitalism in achieving climate goals.
Main Idea 3 - The Challenge of Balancing Growth and Decarbonization
A central debate in the book centers around the question of whether economic growth and decarbonization can coexist. Some argue for the need to retain growth while transitioning to decarbonized economies, while others advocate for de-growth, emphasizing the need to shrink the economy and prioritize people's well-being. The complexity of balancing growth, decarbonization, and social reproduction is highlighted, with the recognition that achieving sustainable progress requires substantial reforms and even a radical reconfiguration of society.
Main Idea 4 - Rethinking Realism, Time Frames, and Aspirations
The podcast delves into the concept of realism in addressing the climate crisis and envisions a future beyond mere decarbonization. It questions the narrow focus on carbon-centric solutions and highlights the need to address other urgent environmental issues, like water stress, biodiversity depletion, and ocean acidification. The importance of long-term visions, diverse perspectives, and societal transformations is emphasized, along with the role of intellectual left in shaping a more holistic and ecologically conscious future.
In this bonus episode of The Verso Podcast, Benjamin Kunkel and Lola Seaton delve into debates on how to decarbonise the world economy and build a brighter future.
Who Will Build the Ark, edited by Benjamin Kunkel and Lola Seaton is out now: https://tinyurl.com/bdzc56ww
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