'We Are Winning': AOC Praises The Green New Deal And The Push To Fight Climate Change

 

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"We Are Winning': AOC Celebrates 5 Years of the Green New Deal, Highlights Progress, and Charts the Future in Democratic Press Briefing"

At a recent Democratic press briefing, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) passionately spoke about the Green New Deal, praising its impact on climate policy and job creation. In her address, she reflected on the journey of the Green New Deal over the past five years, debunking initial criticisms and emphasizing the strides made in addressing the climate crisis.

The Birth of a Vision:

Representative Ocasio-Cortez began by acknowledging the inception of the Green New Deal, a visionary 10-year plan for social and ecological transformation aimed at saving the planet. The three core principles outlined were to accelerate decarbonization, create millions of jobs, and ensure no community is left behind in the transformation.

Facing Early Criticisms:

The Green New Deal faced immediate criticism, with detractors deeming it an impossible dream. Ocasio-Cortez highlighted how these critiques have proven to be unfounded, emphasizing the progress made over the past five years.

Building a Diverse Coalition:

Ocasio-Cortez attributed the success to the collaborative efforts of a diverse coalition, ranging from community organizers and frontline activists to labor organizers and everyday working people. This coalition, committed to a better future, has become a driving force behind climate action.

Major Milestones:

The representative celebrated major milestones, including the Inflation Reduction Act—a $369 billion federal investment in the U.S. to combat climate change and promote a clean energy economy. This investment is set to create 9 million new jobs across various sectors.

Green New Deal Organizing:

Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the pivotal role of Green New Deal organizing in paving the way for significant achievements. The movement's impact was evident in influencing the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest-ever federal investment in U.S. history for climate crisis initiatives.

Tackling Systemic Inequality:

The representative stressed the need to transform society and the economy, advocating for a transition to 100% clean and renewable energy, the end of fossil fuels, and the revitalization of public services. This, she argued, requires taxing billionaires and polluters to address systemic inequalities.

Current Challenges:

Ocasio-Cortez acknowledged the current challenges, including the destabilizing effects of an unequal and fossil fuel-dependent global economy, natural disasters, and the strain on social safety nets during the global pandemic.

A Better Way Forward:

Despite these challenges, Ocasio-Cortez expressed confidence in a better way forward, emphasizing the urgency of creating sustainable prosperity for all. She called for a transition to a clean economy, highlighting the potential to create millions of jobs in various sectors.

Celebrating Wins and Looking Ahead:

The representative celebrated recent victories, such as historic contracts for labor unions and a pause on new approvals for liquid natural gas export products. She also unveiled a five-year report on the Green New Deal, providing tools for organizers and outlining accomplishments and future plans.

The Next Decade of the Green New Deal:

Ocasio-Cortez concluded by inviting everyone to join in the next chapter of the Green New Deal, expressing determination to finish the job and achieve the vision set forth in the original proposal.

Conclusion:

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's address underscored the success of the Green New Deal over the past five years, highlighting major achievements and outlining the path forward. The celebration of wins and the call to action serve as a rallying cry for continued efforts to address climate change and build a sustainable, equitable future.