Socialism or barbarism
Yesterday’s UN report [09/08/2021] on Climate Change has been labelled a ‘code red for humanity’. It has asserted “that human-induced climate change is the main driver of heatwaves and is likely the main driver for extreme rain. It said unless there were immediate, rapid and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, limiting global warming to close to 1.5°C or even 2°C will be beyond reach”.
This is something we have all experienced locally in Ireland with recent heatwaves and flash floods in urban areas and villages.
Unsurprisingly the report lays the explanation for climate destruction at the feet of individuals – but it is clear that the climate catastrophe we are speeding towards is the symptom of a brutal system: CAPITALISM!
A system built upon profit, exploitation, and a fanaticism for ‘perpetual economic grow’ that transcends to imperialism has created the situation whereby a global ruling class is steering the masses of the world towards environmental destruction. Whilst the elites and their media finger-wag and preach about ‘green’ consumer choices: the richest 1% of the world’s population are responsible for more than twice as much carbon pollution as 50% of the worlds poorest.
Just 100 companies have been the source of more than 70% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions since 1988!
Recent floods and fires across Europe have proven the west can no longer ignore the encroaching destruction that climate change is bringing. No longer can western governments ignore the climate refugees they have created in the global south when climate refugees are being created in their own states. The coming climate catastrophe presents two options: socialism or barbarism.
A system that moves away from fossil fuels and reverses the rampant commodification of the planets resources for profit is what is desperately required – this is what socialism can deliver. We must organise to take back our planet and resources.
“Environmentalism without class struggle is just gardening” – Chico Mendes
