Since Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (aka AOC) and Ed Markey introduced the Green New Deal (GND) resolution in Congress late last year, the buzz made AOC an instant star, spawned the youth-based Sunrise movement, and gave a shot of adrenalin to environmentalists who “get it” that global warming is real and climate change is now a full on crisis.
Overall the buzz has been positive, and climate change is finally getting the attention it deserves. But now we must begin the process of creating actual legislation designed to implement a suite of programs that will – in just a single decade – transition our economy to a renewable energy grid,
Sponsors are proposing a comprehensive framework with a suite of publicly funded programs that will impact our transportation systems, the way we grow and consume our food, our commitment to conserve and protect existing ecosystems, how we build and rehab our homes, schools, and businesses, as well as substantial investments in new technologies. Further, the GND proposes to make a JUST transition that supports workers and communities that suffer disruption during the transition.
Our Town Hall presentations and discussion period will give everyone a chance to “wrap our heads” around the scope of the climate crisis and the scale of the solutions being proposed. Our lead presenter, Denison economics professor Dr. Fadhel Kaboub, is one of the new MMT (Modern Monetary Theory) economists. This is the movement that has been designing the Green New Deal for a number of years and has been advising AOC, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and others. Dr. Kaboub is the president of the Global Institute for Sustainable Prosperity, and is an expert in the Job Guarantee component of the GND proposal.
Cathy Cowan Becker leads the local Sierra Club’s “Ready for 100” campaign, and will present up to the minute information about what cities are doing to address the climate crisis and how Columbus can benefit from the Green New Deal.
Attendees may ask questions of the presenters during the Q&A discussion.
1) Why is the GND proposal so comprehensive? (Job Guarantees, Medicare for All, Public Banking?) Why not focus on electrifying the grid?
2) What about a Carbon Tax?
3) How does the Job Guarantee program work? Is it just a Federal make work program?
4) How much will it cost?
5) How will we be able to pay for it?
Details about the Town Hall are included below. You may RSVP on Eventbrite. You are welcome to bring friends!
Sunday, June 23
3 – 5 pm + Reception 5 – 5:45 pm
Town Hall for the Green New Deal
First Unitarian Universalist Church
93 W Weisheimer Rd, Cbus 43214
Good Will Donation; Please RSVP on Eventbrite
This Town Hall will present experts on the Federal proposal and how it might work in Columbus. Dr. Fadhel Kaboub, economics professor at Denison University, will present an overview of the Resolution, including the Job Guarantee program. Cathy Cowan Becker, leader of the Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 Campaign in Columbus, will discuss on the ground movements in central Ohio. Terry Hermsen, leader of a strategic effort to create a Hub for local organizations addressing the climate crisis, will moderate the discussion, Q&A discussion will take place after the presentations..
Simply Living is sponsoring the event with the Justice Action Ministry of the First Unitarian Universalist Church. Co-sponsors include the Sierra Club and Ready for 100 Campaign; Progressive Democrats of America, Columbus Chapter; Central Ohio Move To Amend, Ohio Sustainable Business Council, Citizens Climate Lobby, Columbus Chapter; the Central Ohio Transition Hub, and more will be announced.
A reception with light refreshments will take place in Fellowship Hall from 5 – 5:45 pm.
Questions? Contact Chuck.Lynd@gmail.com or call 614-354-6172