Ecosocialism

Comprehension

Before applying Löwy’s work into our activism, we must first understand what he is saying. Take the following questions and answer them in your own words.

When doing so, try to limit the number of sentences you use and aim to explain these concepts succinctly.

To double-check your work, or if you are truly stuck, you may visit the summary’s relevant sections to answer specific questions.

1. How does ecosocialism understand humanity’s current catastrophe? What is the problem?

2. What are the main goals of ecosocialism?

3. Articulate the values of ecosocialism.

4. What does ecosocialism look like? Consider democratic planning and the types of policies (both utopian and immediate) it supports.

5. What does ecosocialism not look like? Consider capitalist strategies and Löwy’s view on reformist policy.

6. Why is advertising a problem? Why is it harmful to the planet?

7. Who was Chico Mendes?

8. What are some examples of Indigenous ecosocialist struggle? Consider the following:

   1. World Social Forum of Belém in the Brazilian Amazon (2009)

   2. Peru, 2008-2012

   3. The Yasuní National Park Project: Ecuador, 2007-2013

   4. World People’s Conference on Climate Change: Cochabamba, Bolivia, 2010

9. What are some contradictions of leftist governments in South America?

Praxis

Ecosocialism is just one political ideology that people do or do not prescribe to. In this analysis section, we will provide questions for you to either reflect upon alone or discuss with others – doing both would also require you to do further research. 

Plan of action.

Many are critical of ecosocialism because its plan of action, its plan for achieving an ecosocialist revolution, may seem vague or unattainable.

1. How do you understand the ecosocialist plan of action?

2. Does this plan seem feasible to you, or is it too utopian? 

3. Regardless of your answer to question 2, what do you think it would take in your community to bring about an ecosocialist transformation?

In your own life.

1. What do you make of how Löwy understands humanity’s current catastrophe? Is it in line with your view of the world? How is it similar or different?

2. An ecosocialist transformation can only occur from mass action. If you were to take part in this transformation, what role would you play?

3. Ecosocialists stress the need to create societal conditions to get rid of excess consumption by the masses.
   Do you consume more than you need to? Do you buy things to fill a void? Why?

4. In his chapter about advertising, he presents a series of questions that must be kept in mind when creating an ecosocialist transformation (see below).

   1. How much does the culture of excess consumption define you? How could you change your consumption patterns to be free of this mindset?

   2. “How can people be convinced to abandon consumption habits incompatible with ecological equilibrium without putting a stop to the continuous pounding of advertising that incites, encourages, and stimulates them night and day to buy and buy again?

   3. How can individuals shake off the culture of conspicuous consumption … that tells them they can affirm their personalities only by buying and displaying supposedly “exclusive” products, except by freeing them from the advertising that incessantly reproduces this reified culture?

   4. How can the public be freed from the dictatorship of “fashion” that forces the speedy obsolescence of products, themselves ever more ephemeral, without taking on the head-stuffing—if not brainwashing—of advertising?

5. In the book, Löwy writes, “Environmental destruction and climate change constitute an act of aggression by the rich against the poor” (p. 85).

   What do you make of this quote? In your community, did you see disparities in environmental quality based on class? If not, consider taking a moment to research environmental classism.

How can we change?

1. Chico Mendes is quoted as saying the following: “Attention, young people of the future: September 6 of the year 2120, the anniversary of the first centennial of the world socialist revolution, which unified all the peoples of the planet around one ideal and one thought of socialist unity, and which put an end to all enemies of the new society. Here remains only the remembrance of a sad past of pain, suffering, and death. Forgive me. I was only dreaming when I described these events, which I won’t be able to see. But I had the pleasure of having a dream.” (p. 56).

   Here, he assumes that the socialist revolution occurred in 2020, which has passed us. Consider the following:

   1. What year is it when you are reading this? 

   2. Are we anywhere close to the socialist revolution Mendes or Löwy dream of? 

   3. If not, what should be done to move us closer to that socialist revolution?

2. Ecosocialists fight immediate demands including, but not limited to, free public transportation, the defense of public health, and requiring less time to work so more people can be employed.

   What policies could you advocate for and what politicians could you support that can make these demands a reality? In the United States, policies to consider include the BRAIN TRAIN Act, Medicare for All, and a national minimum wage of $15/hr.

3. If you are in support of these policies, what organizations can you join or volunteer for? How many hours of your week can you devote to fighting for an ecosocialist transformation?
   If you cannot commit a lot, what little things can you do to support an ecosocialist transformation?
   Consider attending events, donating money, signing protests, and attending phone banks.