The Green New Deal: A Crash-course
By: Hannah Podol
Do you want to learn the basics of the Green New Deal? Why it is important? How its promises can become our reality?
Then this is the place for you!
Let’s get started:
What is the Green New Deal?
Many people are familiar with this term and its association with all things climate, but it encompasses so much more. The Green New Deal is not just one piece of legislation that will single handedly stop climate change. It is a framework. A transformation. An opportunity to build a just society while simultaneously tackling the climate crisis. Climate change and inequality share a direct link, and the Green New Deal works to solve both problems. It calls for a 10 year plan to mobilize American society in order to achieve a just transition to clean and renewable energy by 2030.
The Resolution
This multifaceted resolution serves as a blueprint for tackling both climate change and inequality. To put its vast political agenda into prospective, here are just some of the concrete tasks the Green New Deal takes on:
- 100% clean and renewable energy
- Millions of Sustainable jobs
- Free medicare for all
- Affordable public transportation
- A Just Transition for workers and frontline communities
- Greater racial and economic equity
Why do we need a GND?
We know the facts. The effects of global warming will become irreversible if bold action is not taken. Net emissions of carbon dioxide need to fall by 45% by 2030, to avoid facing the severe consequences of climate change. The National Climate Assessment states that without significant greenhouse gas mitigation, the increase in global annual average temperature could reach at least 9°F by the end of the century. The issue of climate change is an urgent one, and the GND is our only hope for a livable future.
How will the Green New Deal impact my life?
I am a rising senior in high school. For me, a big part of this summer will be applying to college. Now let’s imagine we are living in the era of the Green New Deal. I will not have to worry about student debt. I can carry out my college search thinking solely of what will be the best school for me. Financial aid is no longer a factor. Fast forward to 2025 where I will be throwing my graduation cap in the air, a whole life to live ahead of me. Now that we have free medicare for all, health insurance costs are no longer something to think about, and my options are limitless. Despite not being incredibly wealthy, I will have the opportunity to live in public housing. I can choose an apartment featuring solar panels, green spaces, and free clean water. When it comes time to enter the workforce, I will further the transition away from fossil fuels by working on projects that help my town become more equipped to deal with heavy storms and rising tides. I will get this job through one of the many American Job Centers located throughout the country. This would become my reality, and it could become yours too!
I encourage you to watch this video to further imagine your life with the Green New Deal.
How can we make this happen?
Ed Markey is the nation’s leader in the fight for climate action and clean energy. Along with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Senator Markey is the co-author of the Green New Deal. He is running for reelection on September 1st, and needs our help to bring the GND to life.
Here are some ways that you can help!
- Vote for Ed Markey. This one seems simple, but we need a champion of the Green New Deal in office in order for real change to be made.
- Create a personal fundraising page. This is a great way to utilize your personal network to power Ed’s campaign. You can create your fundraising page here: https://www.edmarkey.com/raise/
- Call on your representatives to endorse the Green New Deal! If you aren’t sure who your rep is, you can find that information here: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
- Join Ed’s virtual campaign office. Want to directly get involved in the campaign? Sign up here: https://markeymavericks.slack.com/join/shared_invite/zt-dhidhvaq-vae1LZhnzp8rNe7XuNk4bw#/
Thank you so much for taking the time to educate yourself on the Green New Deal!
Now… go take some action!
