Eco-socialism must have more politics, not less!

The most confusing debate of the Eco-Socialist Conference in London on 30 May was around organising the climate movement. Panellists and audience members alike spoke of the need for a broad coalition including religious congregants and sports fans… (and trade unionists). The need to focus on local "community initiatives" and "non-alienating politics" was also expressed in my breakout group.

Whilst it is true that our movement should not be exclusionary, we must not compromise our values or dull down the politics to the lowest common denominator. By taking a closer look at the different groups in our potential e-coalition, I hope to show why the labour movement is the only force capable of fighting for the climate

Firstly, one audience member directed our attention to the Church of England’s environmental strategy as a shining example for the climate movement. They were most likely referring to the Eco Church initiative, which encourages churches to think about insulation, land management and gardening, divestment and climate lobbying. They can then receive a bronze, silver or gold certificate.

Whilst this is a progressive move by the standards of the Established Church, it doesn’t come close to tackling the climate crisis. Relying on small local acts and politely asking politicians to help fundamentally misjudges the scale and cause of the climate crisis.

Secondly, with the big Champions League final later that evening, many people had their attention drawn towards football clubs. Connecting local fans around social issues and a common goal is good, and football has always been a political sport. That being said, a tribal nature and a lack of political shaping often lead to small and scattered initiatives, with few being environmental. Similarly to Eco Church, the EFL Green Club scheme awards clubs with bronze, silver or gold for analysing their carbon footprint and setting a net-zero target. Worse than churches, this is run by management, not lay members.

The church can be part of the socialist pipeline. Sports clubs can as well. But on their own, these institutions represent the interests of the capitalist status-quo. And it is in the interest of capitalism to keep polluting our world.

The current methods of these groups fall substantially behind meaningful change, let alone eco-socialism. In as far as they support the socialist project, we should welcome civil society organisations. But we must not dilute our politics or abandon our objectives. We must mobilise and unify the working-class under its central institution: the trade unions. The climate crisis requires a bold proletarian response: workers’ control of the polluting industries and of the state apparatus. To fight climate change, fight for socialism! §