Green New Deal Priorities: Where Should We Begin?
Understanding how to set priorities and take first steps in launching a transformative Green New Deal.
Debates about the Green New Deal (GND) have dominated environmental and policy discussions in recent years. Supporters agree on the necessity for rapid and transformative change, yet a core question remains: How should we prioritize the goals of the Green New Deal? Should immediate focus be on the climate, economy, or social justice, or is there an optimal sequence that maximizes effectiveness and support? This article explores the complexities of setting GND priorities and proposes possible starting points for action.
Why Prioritization Matters for the Green New Deal
The Green New Deal is ambitious by design—seeking to address not only the climate crisis but also economic inequality and systemic injustice. However, its success depends on thoughtful prioritization. Effective prioritization ensures:
- Efficient use of resources and time
- Greater public support and political momentum
- Interventions that create positive feedback loops
- Reductions in risk of failure due to over-extension or lack of focus
Balancing climate goals, job creation, and justice requires more than ambition. It requires strategy rooted in evidence, lived experience, and long-term vision.
Core Pillars of the Green New Deal
The original vision of the GND, inspired by the 1930s New Deal, links transformative climate action directly to social and economic benefits. The three essential pillars are:
- Decarbonization: Rapid transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy across all sectors.
- Economic Security: Creation of millions of high-quality green jobs and protection for workers in transition.
- Equity and Justice: Directing investment and relief to communities most impacted by environmental harm and economic inequality.
It is crucial to understand that these pillars are intended as mutually reinforcing, not competing objectives.
The Challenge: Where Do You Start?
The sheer scale of the Green New Deal means that many worthy projects compete for initial attention and resources. Some suggest building political will by focusing on the “easiest” wins (“low-hanging fruit”), while others believe starting with the most urgent or symbolic actions will catalyze deeper transformation. Factors complicating priority-setting include:
- Conflicting local, regional, and national interests
- Balancing long-term goals with short-term results
- Differing perceptions of threat and justice across demographics
- Resource constraints and fiscal limitations
- Institutional inertia and regulatory lag
Stakeholder Perspectives: What Should Come First?
Input from diverse stakeholders reveals varying senses of urgency and priority. Polling, forums, and advocacy campaigns show:
- Communities of color and frontline groups often prioritize justice and immediate remediation (clean water, air, affordable housing).
- Labor unions and workers may emphasize job creation and protections for workers transitioning from declining industries.
- Climate activists and scientists urge for the fastest possible decarbonization timelines and emissions cuts.
- Local governments may focus on infrastructure, resilience against disasters, or cost-of-living relief through energy savings.
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The challenge is to blend and uplift these priorities in a way that builds the broadest possible coalition.
Should Climate Lead the Way?
Many climate advocates assert that addressing the root causes of climate change should be preeminent, given the urgent science on greenhouse gas emissions. Early action on:
- Shifting the electricity grid to renewables
- Phasing out fossil fuel extraction and consumption
- Investing in public transit and electrifying vehicles
- Retrofitting buildings for energy efficiency
– can drive down emissions fast and set a precedent. Climate must remain central, but the way we pursue it cannot be blind to justice or practicality. Climate alone, separated from economic or equity concerns, risks losing public support and exacerbating inequalities.
Or Should Justice Come First?
Environmental and social justice groups point out that climate harms and pollution are not distributed equally. Prioritizing justice means:
- Remediating toxic sites affecting marginalized communities
- Investing in water, housing, and public health in vulnerable areas
- Ensuring participation from affected groups in policy design and benefits
Justice-first approaches can build trust, correct systemic wrongs, and drive more durable change. Critics contend, however, that making justice the sole initial focus may slow the scale transition needed to address climate emissions globally.
Can Jobs Be the First Step?
The Green New Deal also promises economic revitalization through the creation of “green jobs.” Prioritizing jobs can:
- Build political consensus, especially in regions dependent on fossil fuels
- Strengthen domestic manufacturing and supply chains
- Support just transitions for displaced workers
- Demonstrate tangible, near-term economic benefits
Yet, job programs without climate ambition or justice goals can become greenwashing, losing the potential synergies of an integrated approach.
Strategies for Balancing the Trifecta
A successful GND strategy does not pick one pillar but rather seeks policies and investments that:
- Simultaneously cut emissions, create jobs, and redress injustices
- Leverage federal, state, and local levels for adaptation to regional needs
- Scale up projects that are both visible and replicable, building momentum
- Pair rapid action (e.g. electrification, infrastructure) with scaled justice programs (e.g. community reinvestment)
This integrated approach requires careful program design, intentional cross-sector collaboration, and sustained public engagement.
What Are the “No-Regret” First Steps?
Experts and advocates often identify a set of “no-regret” actions that are foundational for any Green New Deal rollout:
- Energy Efficiency: Rapid retrofitting of buildings reduces emissions, cuts bills, and creates jobs.
- Clean Power Infrastructure: Shift grid investments to wind, solar, and energy storage.
- Public Transit: Invest in expanded and electrified mass transit systems for equitable mobility.
- Environmental Remediation: Clean up toxic sites, replace lead pipes, and restore degraded ecosystems.
- Workforce Development: Establish training and job placement for workers in new sectors.
- Community Leadership: Fund grassroots organizations to lead local GND projects, building buy-in and equity.
Case Study: Boston’s Approach to Green New Deal Priorities
The City of Boston has outlined priority areas in its local Green New Deal:
- Building Decarbonization: Electrifying new and existing buildings for emissions reduction and healthy environments.
- Transportation: Expanding affordable, efficient, low-carbon mobility options for all residents.
- Clean Energy: Supporting regional clean energy infrastructure and procurement.
- Resilience and Nature: Protecting coasts, parks, and natural urban spaces against climate impacts.
- Green Workforce: Creating local green jobs through education, training, and public-private partnerships.
This local adaptation demonstrates how GND priorities can be tailored to unique urban needs while maintaining alignment with national goals.
Building Political Momentum and Social License
Whatever the starting point, a successful Green New Deal requires:
- Public Participation: Open forums, participatory budgeting, and ongoing input from impacted communities.
- Clear Communications: Making the benefits and rationale of GND policies accessible to all.
- Phased Implementation: Sequencing actions to allow for short-term wins and learning for future phases.
- Transparency and Accountability: Measuring and reporting on outcomes to build trust and adjust strategies.
Building broad political and social momentum is as essential as technical policy design.
Addressing Common Concerns and Critiques
Effective GND planning must recognize widespread concerns, including:
- Cost and Public Debt: Addressed with green investment strategies, public-private partnerships, and emphasizing long-term cost savings.
- Displacement and Gentrification: Prevented by policies guaranteeing affordable housing and anti-displacement measures in green redevelopment projects.
- Rural-Urban Equity: Ensured by tailored investments that reflect differing vulnerabilities and job landscapes.
- Institutional Resistance: Overcome through legislative mandates, regulatory reform, and incentive structures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can any single sector drive the Green New Deal?
A: No. Success depends on holistic, cross-sectoral action integrating energy, transport, housing, justice, and jobs all together.
Q: What is the biggest risk of not prioritizing?
A: Fragmented efforts can waste resources, stall momentum, and fail to deliver the transformative results required.
Q: Is public opinion supportive of GND priorities?
A: Polls show majority support for climate action, but specifics around costs and jobs shape actual buy-in. Success depends on visible, equitable benefits early on.
Q: How do we ensure a just transition for workers?
A: By establishing strong job retraining, income support, and community investment provisions as integral—not add-on—features of all GND initiatives.
Q: Can local Green New Deals differ from national plans?
A: Yes. Local adaptation is essential, provided the core pillars of decarbonization, jobs, and justice remain central.
Table: Comparing Priority Approaches
| Priority Focus | Potential Benefits | Potential Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Climate-First | Rapid emissions reductions, meeting planetary targets | Requires fast mobilization, potential for equity gaps if not paired with justice efforts |
| Jobs-First | Political buy-in, economic revitalization, support for affected workers | May lack environmental ambition if climate goals not central |
| Justice-First | Immediate support for most affected, builds trust, redresses injustice | May slow systemic decarbonization unless integrated with climate policies |
| Integrated | Synergistic wins, largest lasting impacts, broad support | Complex to design and implement; requires ongoing collaboration |
Conclusion: Setting Priorities for Transformative Change
Setting priorities for the Green New Deal is not about choosing a single “right” path. It is about sequencing and integrating climate, justice, and jobs in ways that are ambitious, just, and practical. By grounding early actions in the lived realities of those most affected, supporting workers, and moving quickly on emissions, we maximize the chances for enduring success.
References
- https://www.filesforprogress.org/pdfs/Green_New_Deal.pdf
- https://www.boston.gov/departments/mayors-office/bostons-green-new-deal
- https://ladot.lacity.gov/sites/default/files/documents/green-new-deal_plan.pdf
- https://steadystate.org/green-new-deal-whats-really-green-whats-really-new/
- https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/five_years_in_a_green_new_deal_world_-_020624pdf.pdf
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