There we go! It’s about time we shared our review of Mikaela Loach’s (@MikaelaLoach) debut book “It’s Not That Radical: Climate Action to Transform Our World“. While many climate-related books try to shock you with numbers, this one focuses on active solidarity and the power of community to transform any feelings of anxiety, fear or overwhelm into action. And with that, it’s a breath of fresh air.
Environmentalism often addresses climate change within the boundaries of capitalism. With market-based solutions, eco-innovations and green investments, green capitalism is just the same old system tweaked around the edges. Mikaela argues that while it is true that this may lead to some positive changes, it cannot provide a comprehensive solution to the climate emergency. With capitalism being oppressive and exploitative and fundamentally dependent on growth – 3% every year, doubling every two decades – it is “in complete contradiction to a finite planet, with planetary boundaries and finite resources”. Given that, the system fundamentally fails to meet the needs of the planet and everything living on it.
From a climate justice perspective, we urgently need to uproot these unjust systems and “open up the whole world to transformation, to greater possibilities”. Perhaps, she could have made an even stronger case for uprooting these systems by touching on veganism (the welfare of all animals) and discussing the harmful impact of industries other than the fossil fuel industry. Still, overall, she has done a great job explaining social justice and climate justice without going into too much detail.
Mikaela urgently calls for the climate movement to address “oppressive systems of white supremacy, classism and capitalism” because “it not only benefits the majority of people but could also inspire the majority into collective action”. She makes crucial notes on individualism, cancel culture, accountability, identity politics, and dualistic thinking that stand in the way of creating powerful and inclusive communities. She argues that we need more nuance and that we need to change the narrative. We need to tell a new story – a positive and hopeful story.
It’s a good book! Make sure to check out her work and get your hands on this one!
