The Green New Deal is a set of five principles to guide a policy plan that will fundamentally restructure our economy to deliver good jobs and a habitable future.
Totally decarbonise the economy of the United Kingdom in a way that enhances the lives of ordinary people, workers and communities and works to eliminate social and economic inequality.
Create millions of new well-paid, secure, unionised jobs across the country guaranteeing healthy and fulfilling livelihoods for all workers, and communities including those in today’s high emissions sectors.
Transform our economy so the financial system serves the needs of people and planet, with an accountable and democratic government in the driving seat. Our economy must work in the interest of everyone – with greater democratic participation, accountability and common ownership – empowering those communities currently marginalised and respecting natural ecological limits.
Protect and restore vital habitats and carbon sinks, including forests and wild areas, and ensure the provision of clean water, air, green spaces and a healthy environment for all.
Promote global justice by supporting all peoples and countries to decarbonise quickly and fairly, in line with timeframes set out by science. The Green New Deal will ensure the UK does its fair share to tackle climate breakdown – and more – to account for historic emissions and the exploitation of resources and communities, particularly those in the Global South.
It is now clear that we need a bold and radical plan to fight the climate crisis at the scale that scientists say is necessary. To do that we need to transform our economy and society at the speed necessary to prevent climate breakdown. We need to do what is required of us – not simply what is seen as politically possible.
To make that happen, we propose to massively shift the debate on climate change in the UK. Through a high-profile and interventionist campaign, GND UK will fundamentally alter the political and public conversation on climate action. We will shift the conversation away from the small incremental changes currently being demanded and proposed in Westminster. Instead, through this radical intervention we will create the unstoppable political momentum needed for bold, dynamic and creative cross- government response to climate change.
A decade of austerity has crippled communities across the UK, and people are ready to take back control of their economic and environmental futures. A GND would put people and planet first — harnessing the energy of many who have been left behind by business as usual.
It will be a movement of people who want to see a new approach to running our economy for radical action on climate change, creating a vehicle for the energy and passion of campaigners across the UK, and bolstering the European and trans-atlantic climate movements. It would also spark and inspire the wider environmental movement to adopt a more urgent and radical approach to climate campaigning – platforming and adding capacity to this national campaign.
For more info, check out our ‘Intro to the Green New Deal’ guide here.
