For a fairer and greener future

Resist the oligarchs!

***How do we achieve Sustainability? (Photo: A. Bjorke)***

The world is facing a fateful time where climate change, social inequality, war, pollution, species extinction and resource scarcity threaten our common future. Super-rich oligarchs are colluding globally to undermine democracy and human rights. Meeting these challenges requires a radical transformation – a new politics that puts sustainability, justice and community at the center. Here are some of the steps on a winding staircase to create a sustainable and inclusive future.

1.From fossil to renewable – a necessary transition

To reduce climate emissions and pollution, subsidies and tax benefits for fossil energy must be phased out. A progressive carbon tax must be introduced, and part of the revenue must be distributed as an equal “CO2 bonus” to all citizens. At the same time, investments in renewable energy sources must be drastically increased, and jobs in “green” technology must be prioritized.

Wars, hybrid wars, the risk of sabotage and conflicts in general make the price of oil unpredictable from one day to the next. Most of the world’s billionaires are oil oligarchs and profit from war. War increases the price of oil. The richest men in the world profit handsomely, all others lose. Fossil energy causes man-made global warming and is a conflict generator and accelerator. As can be seen from recent events in the Middle East, we need to end our dependency on oil sooner rather than later.
Fossil energy is power-centralizing, undemocratic, extremely corrupt, old-fashioned, increasingly dangerous to all life and on its way out. The transition is underway and accelerating.

***Wars are closely associated with oil (Photo: A. Bjorke)***

2. Energy democracy – power to the people

Energy production should be largely owned and operated locally to create decentralized systems that strengthen democracy. Over the next 15-30 years, we must transition to non-fossil energy produced by local communities.

Centralized energy production empowers the elite, while local ownership provides better preparedness, increased resilience and more equitable distribution. Part of the income from selling electricity to other countries must be distributed to everyone as a “bonus” to encourage electricity saving and investment in renewable energy.

3. Education for the future

Education is the key to a sustainable future. Therefore, it should be free and of high quality. Learning processes must value creativity, critical thinking, research and collaboration.

Teachers must receive courses and continuing education in new forms of learning. ICT in schools can be an excellent learning resource, but quickly becomes problematic without relevant training.

Democracy, environmental understanding, source criticism and human rights must be incorporated into the curriculum, while lifelong learning and practical experience in nature are prioritized.

Academic freedom, critical thinking and creativity are prerequisites for sustainable development.

4. Protection of nature and community resources

The land, water, air and natural resources are common goods that must be managed sustainably. Stricter regulations must ensure that no individual actor can take action and destroy community property.

Extensive reserves for land, water and air areas must be established and managed with strict environmental requirements.

5. Economic justice and sustainable investment

The economy should work for the good of society, not just the richest. Investments should be prioritized in sectors that promote quality of life and a circular economy. International cooperation and common regulations must ensure an economy that protects people and the environment rather than the pursuit of profit.

International rules and standards for world trade must be further developed and improved. Tax havens must be abolished, and large companies must pay taxes on an equal footing with others.

Instead of high taxes on labor, we should increasingly tax consumption, financial transactions, property and the use of natural resources. Those who consume the most of the community’s goods should contribute more to the community

6. Transport and lifestyle in a new era

Public transport must be as fossil-free as possible and easily accessible to everyone. Cities must become more compact, largely planned for walking and cycling distances and pleasant meeting places. Cities are for the people who live there, not for cars.

Air travel should be compensated with CO2 taxes and fossil fuels should be gradually phased out.

Plastic consumption must be reduced and replaced with environmentally friendly materials.

The transition to a more plant-based diet should be supported with incentives, as this has major benefits for both health and the environment.

Transition from fossil fuel production to renewables now! (Photo: A. Bjorke)

7. “Green” technology and renewable energy

Renewable energy and “green” technology are crucial factors in the transition to a more sustainable society. Development is accelerating, but must accelerate further. All technology has an ecological footprint, and much must be improved to become sustainable.

The development of more environmentally friendly methods is rapid and increasingly cheaper. In any case, most “green” technology is many times better than today’s fossil technology.

Action paralysis propaganda
Don’t be fooled by the action paralysis propaganda from the fossil oligarchs. Recognize the sabotage manual: “Speak often and for a long time, give the impression of scientific expertise! Talk about irrelevant matters and create uncertainty! Argue about trifles and precisions! Every measure has weaknesses, focus on these and create action paralysis!”
In climate debates, the sabotage manual looks like this: “1. The problem doesn’t exist. 2. Everything has natural causes, human activity plays a minor role. 3. Increased CO2 levels have positive effects and minimal impact on the climate. 4. Transitioning to renewable energy is expensive, unfeasible and polluting. 5. It’s useless anyway: it’s too late to do anything.”

Don’t be lured down the “rabbit holes” of conspiracy theories. Get involved and participate! The green shift is inevitable and exciting.

8. Separation of powers, democratization and the fight against disinformation

Decisions must be made at the lowest and most appropriate levels to ensure popular influence. Information must be open and accessible to all.

Corporations should not have the same rights as people, and the law must be enforced equally for all.

The Internet giants must be held accountable for the spread of disinformation and criminal activities.

The International Criminal Court must be significantly strengthened and given expanded powers. The world’s oligarchs can no longer expect impunity for war crimes and other crimes.

9. Sustainable food production and responsible producers

Rice paddies in terraces, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. Rice is a crop vulnerable to global warming. Photo: Å. Bjørke

Food production must shift to regenerative agricultural systems that safeguard soil health and biodiversity. Ethics and animal welfare must be prioritized. Animals are living beings with consciousness, and should not be just a “production factor” in industrialized food production.

Use of toxic chemicals must be reduced

Producers must be held accountable for the environmental consequences of their products, and economic externalities must be incorporated into prices to reflect real costs.

10. Transparency and accountability in government

Governments must be transparent, accountable and base decisions on research and evidence.

Public policy must be predictable and democratically rooted, so that we can create a society where everyone has equal opportunities and sustainability is a common priority.

Together for a new future

We only have one planet, and the time has come for action.

By challenging the grip of the oligarchs, promoting a fairer economy, and prioritizing democracy, the environment, human rights, and sustainable solutions, we can create a society that works for everyone – not just for a few. The oligarchs have been allowed to steal power and wealth from all of us for decades. It is time to resist.

The path to a greener future requires effort from everyone, but the reward is a planet in balance, a fairer society, and a sustainable future for generations to come.

1.From fossil to renewable – a necessary transition

***Old-fashioned and dangerous fossil fuel production (Photo: A. Bjorke)***

2. Energy democracy – power to the people

3. Education for the future

***Everybody deserves a quality education (Photo: A. Bjorke)***

4. Protection of nature and community resources

5. Economic justice and sustainable investment

6. Transport and lifestyle in a new era

7. “Green” technology and renewable energy

8. Separation of powers, democratization and the fight against disinformation

9. Sustainable food production and responsible producers

10. Transparency and accountability in government