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Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Ed Markey, along with dozens of co-
sponsors, have introduced a vision for the Green New Deal. One Republican called it a “socialist
manifesto”. Many environmental advocacy groups have hailed it, but some say it doesn’t go far
enough. Others warn that its broad scope and the long list of progressive social programs it
endorses could hinder its climate efforts.
The Green New Deal recognizes that transition would require massive change. It endorses ways of
ensuring that vulnerable populations – including the poor, people of color, indigenous populations
and communities already facing environmental degradation – take part in the planning process
and benefit from the green economy.
Fossil fuels are deeply embedded in the US economy. Of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the
US in 2016, 28% were from electricity, 28% were from transportation, 22% were from industry,
11% were commercial and residential and 9% were from agriculture.
US climate efforts so far have focused on the power sector, which is probably the easiest to
decarbonize. Many states and localities have continued that work even as the federal government
ignores climate change.
But coal is being replacing with both renewable power and natural gas. Natural gas has a smaller
carbon footprint than coal but still causes climate change.
Additionally, climate advocates and policy experts across the country have not typically tried to
address every contributor to global warming at once or while addressing other societal issues. This
kind of system-wide thinking and planning would be difficult to adopt.
The energy shift would require a major investment, as would the social programs highlighted in the
Green New Deal. The resolution does not suggest a source for that money. The politics of the plan
are also difficult, with Republicans in control of the Senate and the White House vehemently
opposed to it, and with some Democrats split over whether it is the right approach.
Exceeding 1.5C of warming by half a degree will worsen the risks of drought, floods, extreme heat
and poverty for hundreds of millions of people.
• a guaranteed job with fair pay, family and medical leave, paid vacations and retirement
security
• universal high-quality healthcare
• free higher education
• access to affordable, safe and adequate housing
• stronger labor, workplace health and safety, anti-discrimination, and wage and hour
standards
• the clean-up of hazardous waste sites
• access to clean water and air, health and affordable food, and nature