It seems that among the highest circles of capitalist finance, the ecological transition no longer garners the same level of support it once did. A growing faction among wealthy capitalists is challenging what they call the excessive rigidity of the measures needed to reduce polluting emissions. The idea now in vogue is that the green transition is taking place too fast, creating a risk that rising production costs will become unsustainable.
"However, the fundamental issue that must be decided is whether a green socialism is to be attained by incremental modification of capitalism and its state, or the taking of power by the working class. In truth, Rosa Luxemburg’s differences with Eduard Bernstein, on the matter of “Reform or Revolution” and the nature of the capitalist state are still very relevant in the development of an ecosocialist project."
Appeal proposes conference to discuss strategy and turn theory into action
This appeal was published on August 23 by the British group Anticapitalist Resistance. This is an important initiative, but its success will depend whether it involves a wide range of ecosocialist currents in launching a non-sectarian and action-oriented coalition.
Degrowth identifies and critiques growth as fundamental to the capitalist system. Growth enriches property owners and the wealthy, leaving the rest of humanity behind with devastating environmental consequences. Tempest member Paul Fleckenstein interviews Gareth Dale on the politics of degrowth and the critique of the ideology of growth in capitalist society.
TUED interviewed two Coalition organizers, Michaelangelo Pomarico and Patrick Robbins. View the 40-minute interview here and read the full interview transcript below. [website editor: this is a rough, incomplete and edited transcript!]