Two visions exist of a progressive and radical transformaof the O. C ecologist and the other socialist. Socialist Resistance hopes to stimulate a socialist ecology that can unite and enrich both "reds" and "greens".
The convergence of these movements could form a new paradigm for
civuzanon,
'Ecosocialism or barbarism' will be the alternatives posed by Socialist Resistance's forum, to be held on Saturday December 2.
Michael Lowy, the Brazilian Marxist who has recently edited a book on socialism and ecology, will be one of the main speakers at the day-long conference.
une forum will bring together those who share a radical criticism of capitalism and the desire for a complete alternative based on ecological and socialist practice.
Hot on the heels of the global day of demonstrations against climate change on Saturday 4 November, the event will tocus on four themes: Donnie Nicholson 2. What politics are needed for what ecology?
We support every effort to 'green' the environment and make reforms so that government and business act in a more sustainable way, even though we know that in the end it cannot solve the problems.
But fighting for reforms, campaigning around such things as recycling, demanding that government supplies solar panels, wind turbines for sustainable energy, campaignIng against MCWr airports, builds the confidence of ordinary people that they can achieve something, can force the government to act
We support mass campaigning as the best way to build consciousness of the issues ana now to solve tnem
We also want to raise the issue in the trade unions and labour movement.
We need to debate with those working in the arms industry - now the biggest industry in Britain - about alternative production, for need not destruction. Their factories and plants could be transformed into making useful things. 3. Popular ecology in Latin America
The limited success of the green parties in Europe is very different to the massive popularity of ecological struggles in Latin America.
Ecology isn't a Western luxury', as Chico Mendes and other Brazilian ecology campaigners discovered when confronted with the murderous violence or lne Capilalist class.
Across Latin America, capitalism's pillage of environresources has provoked a massive response from workers and farmers.
In Cuba, Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia and elsewhere, mass movements have attempted to turn around the ecological devastation of capitalism. Today Cuba offers lessons of the gains that can be made through popular ecology. 4. Growth, nature and abundance
'The torum aims to reexamine the idea that progress is equated with ever increasing production, without considering the impact on future generations. Some socialists repeat the capitalists' lie that happiness comes from the unlimited abundance of goods, rather than from transformed human relations.
The ecologist movement also faces debates, especially about overpopulation and the influence of economic, political and ideological campaigns of the most polluting companies.
Under socialism we can get more from less: a democrati cally planned economy will make more useful things with less waste and tewer ICSOUrCes. Save money: book early
To book your seat at the event for £10 waged or £6 unwaged. email us at con [email protected] or call us on 020 8800 7460. You can save £2 by buying your ticket in advance: send a cheque for £8 or £4, payable to 'Resistance', to us at PO Box 1109, London, N4 2UU.
-cosocialist resources
An Ecosocialist Manifesto
http://tinyurl.com/pnjyv
Ecology and Socialism
http://tinyurl.com/f9r4c
Tsunami, Katrina, Kashmir
http://tinyurl.com/kurg6
Campaign against Climate
Change
http://www.campaigncc.org