Michael Lavalette interviews ecosocialist Ian Angus about the profound ecological destruction caused by capitalism and the urgent need to combat global heating. Angus, who launched the journal Climate & Capitalism in 2007, emphasizes that the climate crisis is escalating beyond even the worst predictions. Key indicators, such as rising greenhouse gas levels and extreme weather events, reveal a dire situation, with forests like the Amazon now net emitters of carbon.
Angus critiques political inaction, particularly under Trump, highlighting how his presidency may encourage further environmental degradation. He discusses “metabolic rifts,” which occur when capitalism disrupts natural cycles essential for ecological balance, leading to widespread environmental crises.
To address these issues, Angus advocates for significant reductions in fossil fuel use, a shift towards sustainable agriculture, and the end of wasteful capitalist practices. He argues that transformative change is essential, urging a unified left movement to prioritize climate activism within its broader agenda to sustain the planet for future generations.
