A Message From the Future With Alexandria Ocasio Cortez AOC

Summary

This script recounts the journey from the diverse Congress of 2019 to the transformative Green New Deal era. It highlights the early climate warnings, Exxon Mobil's duplicity, and the corporate denial campaigns that stalled action. The narrative pivots to the 2020s, detailing the Green New Deal's ambitious legislation, societal transformation, and the shift towards universal rights. It showcases how the nation rallied to combat climate change, creating jobs, restoring ecosystems, and redefining societal values. The story culminates with the protagonist's successor, Ilyana, embodying the Green New Deal's legacy.

Takeaways

• 🚄 The speaker reflects on their journey as a freshman in the most diverse Congress in 2019, highlighting the inspiration it brought to young people.
• 🌱 The Green New Deal was introduced as a transformative plan to address climate change and economic inequality, despite initial skepticism.
• ⏳ Exxon Mobil's early knowledge of climate change in the 1970s and subsequent denial campaigns are criticized for contributing to inaction.
• 🌍 The urgency of climate action is underscored by the 12-year deadline set by scientists in 2018 to halve emissions to avoid catastrophic consequences.
• 🏭 The script describes a shift in American policy and infrastructure, with a focus on renewable energy and a national smart grid.
• 👷‍♀️ A labor shortage during the transformation is mentioned, with a need for workers in various green initiatives, including AmeriCorps and retrofitting buildings.
• 🌿 The importance of indigenous knowledge in environmental restoration is highlighted, with a focus on projects like wetland restoration.
• 🏡 The script touches on societal changes, including universal childcare and the revaluation of traditionally underpaid work, like teaching and caregiving.
• 🌊 The script acknowledges the ongoing challenges of climate disasters, such as Hurricane Sheldon, and the importance of early action.
• 🗳️ The story concludes with a narrative of political engagement, as the speaker's successor, Ilyana, runs for office in a new era of publicly funded campaigns.

Q & A

What was significant about the Congress in 2019 when the speaker first started commuting?

The Congress in 2019 was the most diverse in history up to that point, which was a critical time and inspired the children in the community to see politicians who reflected them.

What was the Green New Deal's main goal?

The Green New Deal aimed to save the planet by transforming the economy and addressing the climate crisis, which included ambitious legislation to change how people lived and worked.

What did Exxon Mobil do in response to their own research on global warming?

Exxon Mobil, despite knowing about the effects of burning fossil fuels from their own research, did not change their business models or invest in renewables. Instead, they spent millions to create doubt and denial about climate change.

What was the impact of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico?

Hurricane Maria in 2017 destroyed Puerto Rico, causing a loss of life and infrastructure comparable to the 9/11 attacks, highlighting the urgent need for climate action.

What was the '12 years left' warning given by the world's leading climate scientists?

The scientists declared an emergency, stating that there were 12 years left to cut emissions in half to prevent hundreds of millions of people from facing food and water shortages, poverty, and death.

What were some of the key policies introduced during the decade of the Green New Deal?

Key policies included Medicare for all, a Federal jobs guarantee, a public option with dignified living wages, and a national smart grid, among others.

How did the labor shortage during the Green New Deal era affect the community?

The labor shortage led to opportunities for young people from the community, including the speaker's acquaintance Ileana, to participate in climate restoration and infrastructure projects.

What role did indigenous communities play in the ecological transformation during the Green New Deal?

Indigenous communities offered their generational expertise to guide the healing of the land, filling gaps in knowledge and contributing to the ecological transformation.

What was the outcome of the societal changes brought about by the Green New Deal?

The societal changes led to a modern, wealthy, and humane society that committed to universal rights like healthcare and meaningful work for all, reducing fear and fostering a shared purpose.

How did Ileana's career evolve after her initial work with AmeriCorps?

Ileana's career evolved from restoring wetlands with AmeriCorps to working as a solar plant engineer, and eventually focusing on raising the next generation as part of the universal child care initiative.

What legacy did the Green New Deal leave for future generations, as exemplified by Ileana's political career?

The Green New Deal left a legacy of environmental and social progress, with Ileana running for office in 2028 and occupying the seat once held by the speaker, symbolizing the impact of the Green New Deal on future generations.