Holgersen critiques the notion that crises can serve as opportunities, specifically emphasizing that they negatively impact the poorest. Particularly in the context of the climate crisis, he highlights the existential threat it poses to life on Earth. Unlike economic crises that are temporary, the climate crisis is ongoing, affecting everyone’s past, present, and future. The challenge of transitioning away from fossil fuels—integral to capitalism—is complex, making it difficult to address the problem effectively.
Debates surrounding climate change and capitalism question whether it could lead to the system’s downfall. While Holgersen acknowledges uncertainty similar to O’Connor’s theory about capitalism’s ecological contradictions, he argues that capitalism’s resilience means it is unlikely to collapse solely due to climate issues. He suggests that the value lost through environmental damage may outweigh any new value identifiable in crisis-driven profit.
Holgersen’s view as an ecosocialist is that the focus should not be on salvaging capitalism but rather on resisting it and striving for a socialist paradigm. He reviews recent eco-socialist ideas and critiques the dominant Green New Deal frameworks as being overly focused on policy rather than grassroots organization and power.
In his proposed ecosocialist program, he advocates for radical changes, including dismantling the fossil fuel industry and confronting systemic racism. However, he concedes that his critique lacks a thorough examination of the organizational strategies necessary for effective change.
The article ends with a call for urgent consideration of the structural questions facing ecosocialist movements, emphasizing that true impact requires powerful mass organization alongside innovative policy to confront the climate crisis effectively.
