Jonathan Chait’s recent article in New York Magazine, titled “The Sunniest Climate Change Story You’ve Ever Read,” left me with a sense of frustration rather than optimism. In his piece, Chait attempts to downplay the significance of the climate movement’s efforts in addressing climate change, instead suggesting that we should trust capitalists and Democratic Party politicians to handle the issue effectively.
Chait’s narrative revolves around the failure of Obama’s cap-and-trade bill in 2010, which he portrays as the pivotal moment when environmentalists supposedly gave up on the fight against climate change. However, this overlooks the fact that the cap-and-trade bill was unrelated to the Copenhagen agreement’s goal of limiting global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius. Moreover, Chait’s characterization of activists as “environmentalists” demonstrates his ignorance of the vibrant climate justice movement that has been steadily growing since 2010.
Contrary to Chait’s claims of activist apathy, the past decade has seen a surge in grassroots resistance against fossil fuel projects across the country. From the massive protests in New York City, where 400,000 people marched for climate action, to the successful closure of 200 coal plants due to local activism, it is clear that the fight against climate change is far from over. This resistance has often clashed with the policies of the Obama administration, including its support for offshore drilling and Arctic drilling in the Pacific Northwest.
One of the most notable examples of grassroots activism was the battle over the Keystone XL pipeline, which saw over 1,200 activists arrested outside the White House in 2011. Despite Chait’s portrayal of Obama as a climate savior, it was grassroots pressure that pushed the administration to reconsider its support for the pipeline. Activists with organizations like 350.org played a crucial role in holding Obama accountable for his climate policies, demonstrating that real change comes from the bottom up.
Chait’s attempt to paint a rosy picture of climate action under the Obama administration is not only misleading but also dangerous. By promoting complacency and downplaying the role of grassroots activism, he undermines the urgency of the climate crisis. Despair, as Chait suggests, does not render us passive; instead, it fuels our determination to fight for climate justice.
Many activists, myself included, have experienced moments of despair in the face of the climate crisis. However, our hope is not dependent on optimism but on our deep love for the planet and its inhabitants. It is this love that drives us to continue the struggle for a sustainable future, regardless of the challenges we may face. So, while Chait may dismiss our efforts as futile, we will not waver in our commitment to protecting the world we cherish.