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Chris Saltmarsh is co-founder of Labour for a Green New Deal. His first book is Burnt: Fighting for Climate Justice (Pluto Press, September 2021).
New research shows that Britain’s financial sector was responsible for 805 million tonnes of CO2 in 2019 – more evidence that the struggle against climate change can’t be separated from the one against capitalism.
Yesterday, Labour shadow minister Alex Sobel apologised to Keir Starmer for branding corporations ‘the enemy’ when it comes to climate change – but he was right: capitalism is destroying the planet.
As the climate crisis worsens, Labour must be at the forefront of the fight for a radical Green New Deal – one that meets the challenge of our time by transitioning from carbon while empowering workers.
Keir Starmer’s failure to involve grassroots campaigners in Labour’s climate strategy betrays a lack of radicalism in the party’s vision – which is out of step with the policies we need to prevent disaster.
While lockdown puts climate movements on hold, oil and gas lobbyists have increased their access to public subsidies and placed themselves at the centre of economic recovery plans.
As the lockdown lifts, Labour must seize the opportunity to outline its vision of an economy that works for people and planet – before the Tories monopolise the narrative.
The oil price crash is an opportunity for governments to act – keep the remaining fossil fuels in the ground and invest now in a Green New Deal to save the planet and stimulate the economy.
It’s time for radical proposals to rebuild Britain’s social fabric and combat the climate crisis. Here’s one: make public transport free.
This week’s declaration in parliament of a climate emergency was a victory for grassroots organising – but unless it is matched by a radical policy agenda, it won’t be nearly enough.