Climate Strikes
US Oil and Gas Production Breaks Records
According to the latest US government forecast, the US will extract more crude oil in 2023 than ever in history, more than twice as much as ten years ago.
US Warming Faster than Global Average
While it is often asserted that rich countries like the United States will be spared the worst effects of climate change, the recently released Fifth National Climate Assessment finds that temperatures in the US are actually rising faster than the global average. According to the authoritative report, Americans are suffering “far-reaching and worsening” consequences from the climate crisis, with worse to come.
Want to Get Federal Infrastructure Funding?
The UC Berkeley Labor Center’s Green Economy Program has just launched a Federal Infrastructure Funding Database.
Recycling Observed
Those of us in the fight for climate justice have long heard that recycling is broken. “Most recycling ends up at the landfill.” “Recycling uses more energy than it saves.” “If you put one contaminant in the recycling, the whole load will go to the landfill.” I’ve repeated these sentiments without really knowing where I got them from.
Postal Union President Says: Shift $$$ from Military to Social Needs
Mark Dimondstein, President of the American Postal Workers Union, has written in the union’s newspaper…
UAW Calls for Cease-Fire in Gaza
The United Auto Workers international, which represents 400,000 workers and 580,000 retirees, called on December 1 for a cease-fire in Israel and Palestine.
The Green New Deal and the Politics of the Possible
The previous Commentaries in this series have examined many aspects of the Green New Deal that is emerging from below. This Commentary tells how the Green New Deal at the local state, and regional levels is transforming the limits of what people believe to be possible. The next several Commentaries will provide an overview of the programs, organizations, and politics that have made this transformation possible.
2023 UAW + Big Three Contracts 101
In September 2023, the United Auto Workers union (UAW) went on strike against the Big Three automakers — Ford, GM, and Stellantis. After more than a month of picket lines and bold strike tactics, the union has ratified contracts with the Big Three.
Green New Deal Justice—from Below
Almost by definition Green New Deal projects simultaneously address climate protection, worker empowerment, and justice. This Commentary will look at Green New Deal projects and networks that emerged from discriminated-against communities and put issues of justice front and center.
Auto Workers Win Step Toward a Just Transition
In the on-going strike by UAW auto workers against the auto industry Big Three, one of the central objectives is to win a just transition to climate safe vehicle production for auto workers. At press time the strike continues, but the union has already won significant concessions that will contribute to a just transition.