Last Updated on November 29, 2022 by Lily Connel
A green new deal would aim to make green energy cheaper than oil/gas, which is what we rely on for much of our fuel. This would provide an incentive to move beyond gasoline-powered cars and green tech. Green technology is everywhere, but it’s still not doing enough to save the environment. That’s why green technology needs a green new deal: a complete overhaul, and one that’s not going to stop at electric cars and the like.
Today, green technology is becoming more and more prevalent. Cars are using green technology, green energy sources are popping up all over the world. Even politicians are getting on the green bandwagon – both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney are pushing green initiatives during their presidential campaigns.
Other green initiatives such as increasing green building standards, green transit plans for new cities, and greatly increased recycling programs would be included in the green new deal as well. With a green new deal implemented, hopefully, we can all breathe just a little bit easier knowing that our planet is that much safer than it was before.
Pros and Cons Of The Green New Deal – The Comparison Table
| Serial | Pros Of The Green New Deal | Cons Of The Green New Deal |
| 1. | The green new deal is a plan put forward by democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that aims to combat the negative effects of global warming. It consists of four parts: clean, renewable energy; green jobs; infrastructure spending; and transportation reform. | The first con is that it will drastically increase taxes. The green new deal will make taxes go up to 70% for the wealthiest people in America. It may seem like the green new deal is helping with green energy, but it’s actually hurting us financially. |
| 2. | According to Greenpeace USA, “Without drastic measures, it is estimated that human society only has a few years before the worst effects of climate change become irreversible.” | Another disadvantage of this green new deal is that Americans would not be able to afford their homes without oil and gas. Solar and wind power are not efficient enough to power the homes in America, so it would be beneficial for us to keep using oil and gas. |
| 3. | This would replace fossil fuels with green energy sources such as wind and solar power, which have been proven to be less harmful to the environment. The green new deal also hopes to create green job opportunities for Americans across various sectors, including green transportation jobs. | In addition, it includes that green jobs will only last a few years. Solar panels degrade over time, but if we get green jobs created from this resolution, then it will decrease green energy because green jobs will only last about 5 to 6 years. |
| 4. | Ocasio-Cortez also believes that the green new deal will create better infrastructure in the United States by building green energy sources like wind and solar farms across the country. Her plan is to make sure these green energy sources are built in places where they can be easily accessed – low-income communities, minority communities, and other vulnerable communities that lie in the shadow of polluting energy sources. | Also, if people are using green energy, then that might cause another problem. Some green energy uses geothermal energy which could heat up the earth even more since it has been heating up already. |
| 5. | It also aims to make green transportation a priority by investing heavily in green vehicles such as public transit buses and rooftop trams. Ocasio-Cortez hopes to accomplish this goal by phasing out fossil fuels and making it easier for green energy cars to be on the roads. | The green new deal will incur other problems such as green businesses being taxed at a higher rate. If green businesses are taxed at a higher rate, then they won’t have as high of an income to hire more workers or pay their employees. |
| 6. | However, green new deal pros point out that the green new deal could be very beneficial if done right. The green economy is growing so it would create jobs, green justice programs have been shown to elevate racial injustices, and green energy has lower price tags than fossil fuels. | This green new deal is supposed to be green, but it may cause more harm than good for Americans. Green energy is not efficient enough and green jobs only last 5 years on average. Since green new deal cons outweigh green pros, it might not be the resolution that we need. |
| 7. | If the green new deal were to happen, the economy would grow. The green energy market was worth $300 billion in 2017 and currently employs three million people. Meanwhile, the fossil fuel industry is only worth $8 trillion but it has an incredibly high amount of employees – five million in total. By transitioning to green energy, green jobs will replace fossil fuel jobs. | |
| 8. | Furthermore, green new deal justice programs can help communities that are disproportionately affected by toxic air pollution. Areas like the South Bronx and charleston have high rates of asthma in children because of this. For example, green energy investments in New York’s low-income housing reduced residents’ asthma attacks by 25% in just three years. If green justice programs were to be implemented, green energy will lower asthma rates. |
All You Need To Know About Green New Deal
The Green New Deal is a green-energy-focused economic stimulus package that was first announced by the Sunrise Movement. The movement, which began on social media with a petition via the website, grew from only 14 signatures to over 900,000 in less than a month.
This petition led to the creation of an official resolution written by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Ed Markey called the Green New Deal. The Resolution was co-sponsored by over 40 other members of Congress, including all the 2020 presidential candidates except for Joe Biden.
All of this led to a congressional hearing on the green new deal that took place on February 7, 2019. It was the first time that the green new deal was brought to Congress. The hearing featured testimony from Ocasio-Cortez, Sunrise founder Sunita Bose, and several other green-energy experts.
The green new deal has been mentioned by several green-energy heavy hitters in recent weeks including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
Goal Of Green New Deal
The green new deal is a non-binding resolution that has the following goals:
1. 100% clean and renewable energy production in ten years
2. Eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing and agricultural industry in ten years
3. Meeting 100% of demand with green energy in ten years
4. Working with industry, academia, and government to create green jobs
5. Creating sustainable infrastructure that can withstand the effects of climate change including rising sea levels
6. Repairing historic oppression of indigenous people and frontline communities
7. Guaranteeing universal access to clean water, clean air, healthy food, and nature
8. Upgrading every residential and industrial building for state-of-the-art energy efficiency, comfort, and safety
9. Investing in green technology research and development
10. Restoring and protecting threatened ecosystems; safeguarding biodiversity; and restoring natural resources
11. Advancing social justice and equity through fair economic practices including higher wages and expanded worker protections
Conclusion
The green new deal includes drastic tax increases, green energy is not efficient enough to power American homes, green jobs only last 5-6 years on average, and green businesses are taxed at a higher rate.
