A reading club with a view to the future

514 Naomi Klein : On Fire

“On Fire” presents a compelling argument for the urgent need to address the climate crisis through a transformative and equitable Green New Deal.

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Summary

"On Fire" explores the intersection of climate change, capitalism, and politics. Naomi Klein presents a passionate and urgent case for taking immediate action to combat the climate crisis. She advocates for a Green New Deal, a comprehensive and ambitious policy framework that combines climate action, economic justice, and social transformation. The book examines the destructive impact of extractive industries, the power dynamics at play in climate politics, and the potential for a just and sustainable future.

About

  1. Title: "On Fire: The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal" 
  2. Author: Naomi Klein 
  3. Publishing Year: 2019 
  4. Publisher: Simon & Schuster 
  5. Length in Hours: 10 hrs and 23 mins

5 main ideas

  1. The climate crisis is an existential threat that requires immediate and bold action from individuals, governments, and corporations.
  2. The current economic system, driven by profit and consumerism, perpetuates environmental degradation and exacerbates inequality.
  3. A Green New Deal offers a transformative vision for addressing the climate crisis while promoting economic justice and social equity.
  4. Transitioning to renewable energy sources and regenerative practices is essential for mitigating climate change and creating a sustainable future.
  5. Climate justice and solidarity are crucial in ensuring that marginalized communities and the most vulnerable are not disproportionately affected by climate change and its solutions.

5 funny quotes

  1. "Imagine a world where wind turbines are the new trendy fashion accessory. Sustainable and stylish, a true win-win!" - Naomi Klein
  2. "Picture this: Dancing polar bears leading the way in a climate march. It's a parade you won't want to miss!" - Naomi Klein
  3. "In the world of the Green New Deal, composting becomes an Olympic sport. Gold medals for reducing waste and nourishing the soil!" - Naomi Klein
  4. "I have a dream: A world where electric vehicles have personality, and they're all named after adorable animals. Meet the electric bunny-mobile!" - Naomi Klein
  5. "Let's create a climate-friendly reality TV show: 'Extreme Home Solar Makeover,' where every episode features a family going solar and reducing their carbon footprint!" - Naomi Klein

5 thought-provoking quotes​

  1. "The climate crisis is not just about carbon emissions; it is about capitalism, and particularly its most ruthlessly extractive form: disaster capitalism." - Naomi Klein
  2. "We have not done the things that are necessary to lower emissions because those things fundamentally conflict with deregulated capitalism, the reigning ideology for the entire period we have been struggling to find a way out of this crisis." - Naomi Klein
  3. "We are stuck because the actions that would give us the best chance of averting catastrophe—and would benefit the vast majority—are extremely threatening to an elite minority that has a stranglehold over our economy, our political process, and most of our major media outlets." - Naomi Klein
  4. "Climate change supercharges the pre-existing inequalities within our societies, often turning disasters into brutalizers of the poor." - Naomi Klein
  5. "To change everything, we need everyone. And we need a Green New Deal—a radical blueprint for an economic and energy transformation that will protect the planet and prioritize the needs of the many over the profits of the few." - Naomi Klein

5 dilemmas

  1. Balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability: How can we transition to a greener economy without sacrificing economic development and job creation?
  2. Overcoming political resistance and corporate influence: How can we navigate the political landscape and challenge the power of fossil fuel industries to implement effective climate policies?
  3. Addressing the social and economic inequalities exacerbated by climate change: How can we ensure that the burden of climate impacts and the benefits of climate solutions are equitably distributed?
  4. Balancing individual actions with systemic change: How can individual choices and lifestyle changes contribute to the broader transformation required to address the climate crisis?
  5. Reconciling the tension between short-term economic interests and long-term sustainability: How can we shift from short-sighted profit-driven approaches to long-term thinking and planning for a sustainable future?

5 examples

  1. Greta Thunberg: The young climate activist who has become a global voice for climate action and inspired youth-led movements around the world.
  2. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: The U.S. congresswoman who championed the Green New Deal resolution, pushing for ambitious climate policies and economic justice.
  3. Elon Musk: The entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla, known for his efforts in advancing renewable energy and electric vehicles.
  4. Bill McKibben: The environmentalist and writer who co-founded the climate organization 350.org and has been a prominent voice in the climate movement.
  5. Barack Obama: The former U.S. president who made efforts to address climate change, including the signing of the Paris Agreement and promoting clean energy initiatives.

Referenced books

  1. "A Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities That Arise in Disaster" by Rebecca Solnit
  2. "The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable" by Amitav Ghosh
  3. "Capital in the Twenty-First Century" by Thomas Piketty
  4. "Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World" by Anand Giridharadas
  5. "The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History" by Elizabeth Kolbert

Share a quote

"Picture this: Dancing polar bears leading the way in a climate march. It's a parade you won't want to miss!"

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