Scientific reports in 2018 by an international body of scientists (IPCC, October 2018) and the U.S. group analyzing climate change (Fourth National Climate Assessment) are alarming. They describe the increases already observed – in sea level rise, extreme weather events, fire, drought and flooding and predict huge economic, social and disaster losses to come if global temperature rise is not kept below 1.5 °C.

The U.S. has contributed 20% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions and should be a leader on solving the problem of climate change. The authors of the Green New Deal note that the U.S. is also suffering through an increase in income inequality with accompanying poverty, declining life expectancy, and increased vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. Our response to these problems needs to be comprehensive and on the scale of the Depression-era New Deal and World War II.

It will achieve zero-net greenhouse gas emissions through a fair and just transition for all communities and workers. It will create millions of good, high-paid jobs, invest in the infrastructure of the future, secure clean air and water, climate resiliency, healthy food for all, access to nature and a sustainable environment. The Green New Deal will promote justice and equity by correcting the historic oppression of vulnerable communities.