We concede that some of Half-Earth socialism’s attributes, such as energy quotas and giving up meat, might not appeal to all, but we think such sacrifices are more attractive than the three demi-utopias offered by the environmental movement. The environmental crisis is already well advanced, so it should not come as a surprise that there are only hard choices left to make. However, Half-Earth socialism is not merely a ‘lesser evil’. One might see that there is much to gain by giving up control over a subsumed nature. While much value must be destroyed by relinquishing the land and sea that has been trawled, mined, and razed, there is a new wealth to be gained too. A bounty of beauty, safety, and stability will come from the thousands of species that will be protected, the gigatonnes of carbon sequestered, the promise of meaningful work and social security, for Half-Earth socialism will be a rich society too. Even if it means figs and beans for dessert.
Half-Earth Socialism A Plan to Save the Future from Extinction, Climate Change, and Pandemics by Troy Vettese and Drew Pendergrass
Carmody Groarke is a London based architecture practice founded in 2006 by Kevin Carmody and Andy Groarke.
Gent Waste Brick; BC Materials. A low carbon brick made from recycled municipal waste from the city of Gent; 1/3 the embodied carbon of a typical clay fired brick.
