Degrowth

criticised WWF/ZSL for failing to identify capitalism as the “crucial (and often causal) link” between the destruction of nature and galloping levels of consumption. “By naming capitalism as a root cause,” wrote Pigott, “we identify a particular set of practices and ideas that are by no means permanent nor inherent to the condition of being human” and that “if we don’t name it, we can’t tackle it”. Capitalism, according to Jason Hickel, academic and author of Less Is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World (Penguin, 2020), has three main defining characteristics: enclosure and artificial scarcity, perpetual expansion, and a lack of democracy, insisting “democratic principles are rarely allowed to operate in the sphere of production, where decisions are made overwhelmingly by those who control capital”.

As a socialist, I think it's important to point out that ending capitalism isn't the panacea for climate change that this article is alluding too.

Alternative forms of economic organizational hierarchies can be just as damaging unless protecting the environment is foundational to their economic principles.

Socialism isn't inherently more environmentally friendly, it's just a different way to organize productive forces, with the entire goal being increasing production capabilities until we have reached a post scarcity society.

Even in the few examples of command economies we've seen throughout history, we don't see a more environmentally conscious society. What we typically see is rampant industrialization and an increase in production without regard for consumption.

Now I'm not claiming that economic systems do not matter, or attempting a "both sides" argument. Clearly a command economy has more ability to tackle climate change, but only if environmentalism is made a foundational priority.

If we just label capitalism as the enemy, and then carry on as other socialist governments have before.... We very well may make huge leaps on quality of life for the majority, increase industrialization in the global south, and build a more equitable world, but still end up killing the planet.

What we must realize is that capitalist societies would sooner implode themselves than listen to what you have to say on this matter. "But-but capitalism actually works!!!" I'm sure you know this phrase all too well. You won't be able to convince people until you provide a valid alternative. Before then, you will fall on deaf ears. People have too much invested in this system for your words to sway them.

If you can create your own micro-state with its own economy and governance, and if it solves the problems that capitalism creates, people will flock in droves to become your citizens. People need to see the alternative. You can't just dump theory and literature on their lap. "We" won't win by fighting for the planet, we have to change minds. Do that, and the rest will come.