“Comprehensive climate change legislation.”  How many times have we heard that phrase in the last few years?  It has been used by environmental groups to describe what they think we need.  And it’s been used by Congress to label several of its bills. The American Clean Energy and Security Act, a.k.a. the Waxman-Markey bill, was called “comprehensive.”  But, by the time it passed, it was weighed down with coal funding and weakened by compromises with fossil fuel industries. Still, it was better than nothing – and better than the Senate managed.  The Senate’s energy... (continue reading)

This is my 4th day in Detroit, and I am so psyched for the next 4 days! I came to Detroit for two events: the Rising Tide North America (RTNA) All-Network Convergence, and the U.S. Social Forum (USSF)! While at the RTNA convergence, I had the opportunity to meet with local organizers from Detroit and hear about some of the environmental justice issues they work on in their communities. I’ve also had the honor of helping them prepare for a big rally and march they’re having on Saturday morning. The Clean Air, Good Jobs, Justice for All march will target a dirty trash incinerator... (continue reading)

I have the hope and belief that neoclassical economics is nearing its end of its two hundred-year era. In truth, neoclassical economics has to go altogether because, as much as it breaks my heart to admit, our world is dying on our watch. Neoclassical economics is a reckless paradigm that rages to the mantra of, “living fast and dying young.” We are burning through our world’s resources and the corporate world is showing no remorse. And because neoclassical economics is completely divorced of social and environmental ramifications – instead limiting itself to value productivity above... (continue reading)

The War over planet Earth began 40 years ago and the biggest battle of the year is fought on Earth Day. There are two fairly different ideologies claiming sovereignty over Earth Day, over sustainability, over “green”, over resources, over you and ultimately, over the future of our planet. One ideology is implemented by the International Corporate Greenwashers who think that new technology within an economy of endless growth will save us from environmental inconveniences like climate change. The other, that the growth paradigm is no longer an effective way to address the human condition,... (continue reading)

The historic gathering of the worlds most affected by climate change is kicking off in Cochabamba this week. Delegations of grassroots activists from the U.S. are going to help give a voice to the “South within the North” – communities on the frontlines of the impacts of climate change and resource extraction and fossil fuel development. Below is the first blog from Jason Negrón-Gonzales of the Movement Generation Justice & Ecology Project on his way down to Bolivia. For up-to-the-minute reports back from Cochabamba check out Global Justice Ecology Project’s Climate ... (continue reading)