Extorting Eric Adams & How to Get A Green New Deal with Thea Riofrancos *FRANTASTIC FRIDAYS*
Feb 15, 2025
auto_awesome
Thea Riofrancos, a climate policy expert and co-chair of the Climate and Community Institute, joins Francesca to discuss the urgent need for radical climate action. They critique Biden's climate plans for not going far enough and dive into the troubling political ties of NYC Mayor Eric Adams, suggesting he's compromising community needs. The conversation also touches on grassroots mobilization, the intersection of climate and feminist movements in Latin America, and challenges of public understanding regarding current climate policies.
The Biden administration's climate policies, while ambitious, highlight a need for greater accessibility to benefit low-income citizens effectively.
Effective communication is essential for garnering public support for climate action and should include diverse media engagement strategies.
The urgency of countering increasing repression faced by climate activists necessitates solidarity and organized resistance against authoritarian tactics.
Deep dives
The State of Climate Policy Under Biden
The Biden administration has introduced the most ambitious climate policy in U.S. history, yet concerns linger regarding its accessibility and impact on ordinary Americans. The Inflation Reduction Act includes significant tax incentives aimed at promoting green energy, but many citizens are unaware of these benefits, leading to low engagement. Only a minimal percentage of Americans have utilized the tax credits, with wealthier individuals mostly benefiting due to the initial investment needed for energy-efficient upgrades. This disparity highlights the need for a more inclusive approach to climate policy that directly addresses the struggles of lower-income citizens.
Challenges of Messaging in Climate Initiatives
Effective communication is crucial for rallying public support around climate action and must be more than just press releases or policy summaries. The conversation highlights the necessity of engaging with communities through varied media channels, including social platforms, to spread the message. Unlike progressive movements in Latin America that maintain a constant communication presence, the Biden administration's lack of transparency and outreach has resulted in missed opportunities to galvanize public support. Clear messaging about climate policies should emphasize personal benefits and connect them to broader economic struggles faced by many Americans.
Political Strategy and Populism
The current political climate necessitates that the left clearly identifies its adversaries, particularly the wealthy and fossil fuel executives, to form a united front against unjust policies. Instead of effectively calling out these interests, there has been a hesitance within the Democratic Party to confront these powerful opponents. This failure to name the enemy allows the right-wing to continue scapegoating marginalized communities, diverting attention from the root causes of systemic inequality. A strong populist strategy must align messaging with the interests of ordinary people to build a cohesive coalition for change.
Understanding the Criminalization of Climate Activism
In recent years, climate activism has faced increasing repression, particularly from state and federal authorities. Activists who oppose destructive projects, like pipelines, often encounter state-sanctioned violence and legal repercussions, which have intensified under more radical political leadership. This worrying trend mirrors similar movements in Latin America, where climate advocates have historically faced government crackdowns, revealing a harsh reality for those fighting for environmental justice. The urgency to mobilize resistance is paramount, as citizens must counter these authoritarian tactics and advocate for necessary reforms.
The Role of Global South in Climate Solutions
The Global South plays a vital role in the global climate crisis, yet often bears the brunt of its consequences despite contributing the least to its causes. Countries like Colombia and Brazil showcase progressive leaders pushing for policies that restrain fossil fuel exploration while advocating for international coalitions against extractive practices. Achieving climate justice requires moving away from a model of resource extraction that hampers development and disregards indigenous rights. Collaborative efforts and solidarity across borders are essential for addressing these challenges and ensuring equitable solutions in the fight against climate change.
Climate chaos is here and only radical action will save us. Thea Riofrancos, professor and co-chair of the Climate and Community Institute joined Francesca to talk about green populism and how Biden's plans never went far enough. Then a look at how Eric Adams is willfully being extorted by the Trump administration, and the wild illegality of The Department of Justice in exchanging Adams' charges for his selling out the undocumented immigrants in his city. RESIGN ALREADY!
Featuring:
Thea Riofrancos, Author of "A Planet To Win" and "Resource Radicals"
www.theariofrancos.com
https://x.com/triofrancos
Read her op-ed:
Biden Left Us With a ‘Prius Economy.’ It’s Time for Something Different.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/07/op...
Frantastic Fridays on The Bitchuation Room are free to watch. To see more bonus content and get access to the Wednesday Bonus Bish become a member on Youtube or a Patron:
www.patreon.com/bitchuationroom.
****
FACTORMEALS.com/bitchuation50off and use code bitchuation50off for 50% off plus free shipping on your first box.
***
Francesca and Matt Lieb are coming to the Sacramento Punchline on Sunday March 16th. Get your ticket here: https://livemu.sc/4jS1qKf
***
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode