What's the deal with the 'Green New Deal'?

Most of you based in the US, and many elsewhere, are familiar with the Green New Deal (GND), a proposal from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Edward Markey, that looks to tackle the climate crisis. This post is not strictly about this proposal but about the kind of plan needed from all our governing bodies. Importantly, the GND is not just about tackling this emergency but acknowledges the many hard issues that other climate initiatives often overlook – environmental racism, poverty, and income disparity. After all, the US has one of the greatest socioeconomic divides of any industrialized nation in the world. We have the 4th highest average income in the world, yet the highest rates of poverty of any developed country. This is shocking and heartbreaking. In addressing our climate crisis, we must consider the intersectionality with poverty, racism, and economic disparity. In my opinion, this framing will ignite more climate action. From this, the net can be spread to more people, laying out the personal benefits of such an initiative, especially in more vulnerable communities. The GND is not a radical proposal from those in the ‘far left’ of the political world. Let’s not forget, this has been done before – the New Deal politics of FDR (this proposal’s namesake) responded to the crisis of the Great Depression with the establishment of social welfare and public-works programs, many of which we ALL still enjoy today. Side note: the Great Depression was the result of an intentional marketization of goods and services to create a population of consumers and the establishment and irresponsible use of the credit system – and look where it got us! Back to the GND: Just to be clear, despite what some politicians may say, this plan is technologically viable, not looking to take away your right to fly or drink a milkshake, and yes, while it will be expensive, it will provide the groundwork for clean energy economic growth – the benefits of which will reach more people. Plus, consider the expense of the climate emergency. Admittedly, this plan is not fully conceptualized (at least, the version available to the public). We need our smartest minds working on this. National politics will undoubtedly get in the way in the US – and while we can remain hopeful for 2020, the truth is we need 'micro' Green New Deal plans in our cities and states – we need to normalize and demand proposals that support new green infrastructure, job training, and programs to reduce GHG emissions and allow for a successful transition. It’s not radical, it’s survival.