Climate Solutions Beyond Capitalism

by Tina Landis, Jodi Dean (Foreword)

Millions around the world are demanding action and actively seeking solutions to the unfolding climate crisis. The dialogue at the top is confined to solutions that align with the laws of capitalism and unbridled economic growth. But what if we look to solutions beyond how we currently structure our economies?Climate Solutions Beyond Capitalism makes the case that socialism provides the framework for solving the crisis and demonstrates how capitalism acts as a barrier to a shift in our relationship to each other and the planet, crucial for humanity’s survival. Climate Solutions Beyond Capitalism outlines practices being implemented and studied around the world and conveys both urgency and optimism for the liberation of humanity and the planet.Climate Solutions Beyond Capitalism is an urgent call to action to transform the inhumane, unsustainable capitalist system and take an evolutionary leap forward in the way we live and interact with each other and the natural world.— from Climate Solutions Beyond CapitalismPraise for Climate Solutions Beyond Capitalism“Essential guide to averting climate catastrophe that takes the most important, and most ignored approach — complete systemic change.”— Abby Martin, The Empire Files“I highly recommend this valuable, well-documented, concise guide explaining how capitalism is the generator of dangerous climate change as well as other assaults on humans and nature, but also identifying the critically important eco-socialist solutions.”— David Schwartzman, Professor Emeritus, author Tina Landis is an organizer in the environmental and social justice movements. She works in air quality regulation and climate protection, and holds a certificate in Sustainable Management from the University of California, Berkeley. She is a member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation and writes for Liberation News.

Genres: Nonfiction, Climate Change, Politics, Environment, Science, Theory, Ecology

88 pages, Paperback

Published March 4, 2020

Reviews

[Salma · Rating 4 out of 5]

read this during my work shift, which is slay. it’s not too late to save the planet and the only way to do so is to dismantle the american empire. (there is quite literally NO other way)

[celestine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really just a long article published as a very short book. This is a great book for just some simple climate solutions that are currently already tested or in play or at least hypothetically feasible. Landis also covers how capitalism is not equipped to make this transition in the timeframe that it’s needed. The book certainly wants for some details, but some books should be a simple 80-something pages for you to get a little more depth than an online article but not so much depth that you’re scared to engage. This is one of those works, and it’s a good one in that regard.

[Noah Buckley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid cursory introduction to the topic that provides actionable solutions and combats doomerism. Would have really benefited from a more rigorous selection of sources as citing Wikipedia leaves a lot to be desired.

[Arin Goswami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great primer and / or revision handbook outlining the climate struggle and how leftists around the world are working together to help it out.

[kz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tina Landis does a great job exposing contradictions of capitalism’s attempt to remedy the climate change crisis. A quick read (less than 80 pages) this book gets the readers foot in the door in regards to a bunch of different ecologists and environmentalists ideas being showcased to bring in a more egalitarian system that not only benefits people of all classes but also the big rock we share with Mother Nature. I love the reference to Paul Stamets theory of “Mycotopia” in this work as I’m currently delving into some of his work as well. Very cool short read.

[Monserrat Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tina Landis’s *Climate Solutions Beyond Capitalism* is a short read but it challenges the idea that capitalism can solve the climate crisis. She presents clear arguments for exploring alternative systems that prioritize community and sustainability over profit.

Through practical examples, Landis shows how cooperative models and grassroots initiatives can lead to real change. Her straightforward writing makes complex ideas accessible, inspiring readers to rethink our approach to environmental issues.

For anyone looking for a quick but impactful read on climate solutions, this book is a must-read. It’s a call to action for a more equitable and sustainable future!

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

First bookclub book. I liked the challenges this book brought to my idea of what is possible, and how our current solutions to climate change are influenced by our current economic system (e.g. a socialist system would not have imagined carbon credits because incentives for private companies would not be seen as the most efficient way to lower emissions). I didn't like how many absolutes this book used, and how little citations. Absolutes are easy to dismiss and lack the nuance of a grounded argument in my opinion, and it made the book hard to read sometimes. Maybe more thoughts to come my bus is here.

[Jackson Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

-Can come off somewhat utopic and pessimistic to most readers
-Provides very strong solutions and is pretty powerful
-Lack of citations makes it seem a little unreliable
-Short, only about 70ish pages

[Greg Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

persuasive and cogent argument; scientific evidence easily verified; principally aimed at North American audience - could be applied more widely with a greater span of examples; highly recommend for sceptics as well as the converted

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

We can and will pave a way for continued human life on Earth. It won't be through buying an electric car or turning off your AC in the hot summer, but instead through collective struggle for a socialist future. Join an org and get to work.

[Joey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine introduction for anyone interested in a future with healthy planet and a people-over-profit society.

However, I’d recommend Fully Automated Luxury Communism instead. FALC is more detailed in terms of technological solutions and socialist theory.

[Echo Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!

Very digestible read and still very relevant as far as cited sources. They have a study guide available on the Liberation Media! Helps breakdown the material and prepare you to discuss what you’ve read!

[Andrew Rizzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and on point when it comes to current ecological and ethical issues our species faces. The solutions may be a little vague to the Western brain, but it’s all about learning and understanding what is at stake to further drive the initiative behind a Eco-Socialist society

[Lee Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book very concisely gives you a ton of information on what’s causing the climate crisis, what we need to do to solve it, and why these goals are within our grasp. If you’re new to the climate movement or just feel like you’re at a dead end this is for you.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little primer for climate solutions from a socialist perspective. It's a short read, written in an accessible style yet still contains bountiful information.

[Scott Kanski · Rating 5 out of 5]

made me sad but hopeful too

[Gabriel Savir · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book taught me revolutionary optimism in a time where it suddenly feels like change is possible

[Hudson W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and informative!

[Jon Paul Arciniega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Socialism is the only way.

[Jess Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read, not too science-y, but would’ve liked a more concrete plan on how to make things happen in today’s political world.

[Gabby N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short yet detailed introduction as to why socialism is needed to combate climate change and build a sustainable future. Capitalism is the antithesis of sustainability and we will never be able to reverse the our current ecological destruction under it since true sustainability is not profitable.

[níng · Rating 4 out of 5]

eco-socialist revolutionary optimism !