Published on 17th September 2019, by Verso, Green New Deal Group member Ann Pettifor‘s book, The Case for the Green New Deal, explains what the Green New Deal is and, most importantly, shows how we can pay for it.
Critics have claimed that the Green New Deal is a pipe dream that could never be implemented, and would cost the earth. But, as Ann’s book clearly sets out, we can afford it, but first we need to rethink the function of money, and how it works within the global system. As Ann explains, there are limits to what we can do – notably ecological limits, but thanks to the public good that is the monetary system, we can, within human and ecological limits, afford what we can do.
But, there will be no chance of protecting earth’s life support systems if we do not simultaneously transform the global financial system.
There is hope; and it doesn’t rest on a fanciful vision of humanity, but on our knowledge of human genius, empathy, ingenuity, collaboration, integrity and courage. We know that it is possible to transform the globalised financial system because we have done it before – and in the relatively recent past.
The Green New Deal has the potential of becoming one of the largest global campaigns of our times, making it happen will need all of us, but as Ann’s book shows it is possible, if we choose to act.
” Sometimes we just simply have to find a way. The moment we decide to fulfil something, we can do anything. And I’m sure that the moment we start behaving as if we were in an emergency, we can avoid climate and ecological catastrophe. Humans are very adaptable: we can still fix this. But the opportunity to do so will not last for long. We must start today. We have no more excuses. “
Greta Thunberg, Speech to MPs in the Houses of Parliament, 23rd April 2019