New Books in Economics cover image

New Books in Economics

Jeremy Brecher, "The Green New Deal from Below: How Ordinary People Are Building a Just and Climate-Safe Economy" (U Illinois Press, 2024)

Dec 10, 2024
Jeremy Brecher, a historian and lifelong activist, discusses his book, "The Green New Deal from Below." He highlights the significance of grassroots movements driving climate action alongside social justice. Brecher delves into local initiatives like Boston's Green New Deal, showcasing how communities are creating equitable projects. He emphasizes the need to integrate social justice into climate policies, countering public opposition. Inspiring case studies, like a Native American co-op and innovative partnerships in mining, illustrate ordinary people's impact on sustainable practices.
31:20

Episode guests

Jeremy Brecher

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Grassroots initiatives in cities like Boston showcase how local governance can effectively integrate climate action with social justice and job creation.
  • Illinois illustrates the importance of involving labor rights and community needs in climate legislation, ensuring a just transition for workers and environmental sustainability.

Deep dives

Innovative Solutions in Urban Governance

Cities across the United States are implementing innovative strategies to address climate change while promoting economic and social justice. An illustrative example is Boston's Green New Deal, spearheaded by Mayor Wu, which includes the creation of a youth climate corps dedicated to training young people, particularly from marginalized backgrounds, for jobs in climate-related sectors. The initiative also involves the electrification of public transportation and a reorganization of urban planning to ensure affordable housing and prevent displacement of low-income communities. By fostering cooperation between environmental groups and community organizations, Boston demonstrates the potential for local governance to drive significant climate action.

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