In order to save our planet from climate change, we need a strong plan that will be efficient and impactful, yet still realistic and achievable. I completely agree with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the importance of going green, but I do not fully agree with her Green New Deal Resolution, because it includes excessive policies non-related to fixing the climate crisis.  

The Green New Deal has three main goals. The first is to end carbon dioxide emissions, the second is to make sure everyone has low-cost high-quality health coverage, and the third is to ensure that all Americans get decent jobs and living standards. These would all be amazing, but I have to question whether it is possible. 

The plan expects it to take 10 years to achieve a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions rate by switching out coal and natural gas for non-carbon alternatives such as hydro, wind, and solar technology. Vehicles will also shift from gas to electricity and buildings will be heated by electricity instead of boilers and furnaces.

The whole idea of it sounds perfect, but it seems a bit out of reach. 10 years seems quick to me, considering we’ve been using non-renewable technology for decades and renewable energy is still new. However, if the United States were able to get everyone to make the switch, I would totally support it since it would definitely have an effect on the climate crisis.

The only problem I have with this plan is that this would only apply to the United States. Countries like China, who have the biggest carbon footprint in the world, would still continue on like normal. Although this plan would greatly reduce the carbon footprint in the U.S, I’m not sure if the effect it will have on earth as a whole will be worth the billions of dollars the plan calls for. 

Low-cost high-quality healthcare for everyone is a great thing but it’s too socialist. First of all, if everyone was assured premium healthcare at a low cost then there would be less of a reason to work harder. It will eventually lead to the problem of ‘I work harder than they do to make more money, but they still get the same healthcare as me?” It sounds selfish, but it’s human nature to want the amount you receive to depend on what you earned. Also, it sounds unrealistic. We’ve already seen examples of this in other countries like England. Healthcare is free for the public and paid for from their taxes, but that does not mean it’s high quality.

Having cheap but premium health coverage would cost the government way too much and if they cannot pay for it, we will be paying for it anyhow through higher taxes. I also do not completely understand how this is part of the new green deal since it has nothing to do with fixing the climate crisis. I get that health coverage is a big issue in the U.S. but that should be dealt with in a separate resolution plan. 

As for the effort towards better jobs and living standards, I don’t have a lot to say. Getting the unemployment rate down is very important, and I believe it is definitely achievable. The better living standards condition is vaguer, but getting the unemployment rate down will contribute to better living standards, so I also agree with it. However, this is once again something that I think should be a deal of its own and not just a part of the Green New Deal.  

 In conclusion, I am on the fence about the Green New Deal. I love the goal of it and the concept behind it all, but at the same time it feels unrealistic and I question the impact it will have on the world as a whole. Regardless, we have to start somewhere and even if the Green New Deal doesn’t turn out to be as successful as we’d hoped, it would still be a big step. Hopefully one step of many towards a better world.