Underneath COP26, The Beach! Andreas Malm, Kate Aronoff & Sabrina Fernandes
Nov 15, 2021
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Kate Aronoff, Andreas Malm, and Sabrina Fernandes discuss the presence of corporations at COP26 and the importance of social movements. They explore the discrepancy between COP26 announcements and actual progress in negotiations. They highlight the collaboration of fossil fuel interests and white supremacy in Brazil under Bolsonaro's government. The speakers emphasize the role of direct action in addressing the climate crisis and the challenges of building a left eco-socialist movement. They also discuss targeting luxury emissions attributed to the rich and the importance of class consciousness.
Understanding corporate influence and lack of translated action in COP negotiations
The role of direct action and mass mobilization in achieving climate justice
The connections between climate denialism, neoliberalism, and right-wing governments
Deep dives
Importance of Understanding Corporate Influence in COP Negotiations
The podcast episode highlights the significance of comprehending corporate influence within the COP negotiations. The presence and partnership of corporations in these negotiations, as direct stakeholders and through initiatives like global climate action, raise concerns about their influence and the lack of translated action in the negotiations. While the press may announce progress, there is a substantial gap between the announcements and the actual negotiations. It is important to keep an eye on these dynamics, put pressure on stakeholders, and drive change through grassroots movements.
The Role of Direct Action and Mass Mobilization
The episode discusses the role of direct action and mass mobilization in driving change and achieving climate justice. While COP summits have been disappointing in terms of achieving emissions reductions, these gatherings provide opportunities for movements to consolidate their work, solidify networks, and discuss next steps. Mass demonstrations and direct actions, such as the recent demonstrations in Glasgow during COP26, can effectively challenge the status quo and put pressure on decision-makers. However, there is a need to strategically navigate disruptions caused by direct action, considering potential impacts on working-class people, and to compensate for economic costs incurred.
The Influence of Denialism and Neoliberalism in Climate Politics
The episode delves into the connections between climate denialism, neoliberalism, and the agendas of right-wing governments. It highlights how denialism can create a sense of hopelessness, making any alternative policies or proposals seem positive. The conversation specifically focuses on the Brazilian context, where the Bolsonaro government combines denialism with neoliberal policies. By appropriating language related to just transition and green growth, these governments maintain economic interests while presenting themselves as climate-friendly. The speakers emphasize the importance of critical engagement, questioning these narratives, and promoting movements that prioritize social justice.
Lessons from Brazilian Social Movements and Leftist Governance
The episode discusses the lessons that can be learned from Brazilian social movements and the relationship between grassroots movements and leftist governance. It highlights the importance of solidarity, mobilization, and maintaining relevance beyond electoral calendars. The fragmentation within the leftist landscape and experiences of demobilization under the previous government have served as valuable lessons. The speakers emphasize the necessity of movements setting their own agenda and continuing mobilization even when a leftist government comes into power, ensuring that movements stay active, hold governments accountable, and address social justice concerns.
Balancing Disruptions and Class Consciousness in Climate Activism
The episode explores the balance between disruptions caused by climate activism and class consciousness. It acknowledges the potential conflicts arising from disruptions, such as higher fuel prices and the impact on working-class people. However, it argues that a transition away from fossil fuels will inevitably involve higher prices and emphasizes the need for compensatory mechanisms to address the economic costs faced by working-class communities. The speakers emphasize the importance of targeted actions, focusing on corporations and luxury emissions rather than indiscriminate disruptions. They encourage a class-conscious approach to ensure that climate actions benefit the working class and target the consumption of the rich.
What could direct action look like in the context of COP26? Our second episode, recorded in Glasgow at COP26, is hosted by Kate Aronoff, staff writer at The New Republic, author of Overheated and co-author of A Planet To Win: Why We Need A Green New Deal. Kate is joined by Andreas Malm, author of How to Blow Up a Pipeline and White Skin, Black Fuel with the Zetkin Collective, and Sabrina Fernandes, Brazilian eco-socialist organiser, communicator and fellow at the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation.
Climate Crisis: Time for a New Society: Writers and activists discuss radical ideas to move beyond the doom of climate breakdown. A collaboration between the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Brussels and Verso Books.
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