 In turn, these groups could see better representation in future climate solutions. If representatives of regions in the United States with low support for climate action demonstrated more engagement in developing effective climate policy, then the needs and wishes of their constituents would be better reflected in proposed legislation, ultimately making for a more democratic system.
Ultimately, the Green New Deal is not a bad plan in and of itself. Its goals are ambitious but rooted in science and economics. It succeeds in energizing people around climate activism. It contains measures that account for people likely to experience the impacts of climate change disproportionately from the rest of the population. However, by including many of these social policy provisions, the Green New Deal subsequently allows for the demonization of climate action by right-wing groups, which deepens the partisan divide seen in climate politics today. The worsened polarization in turn further impedes future climate action, preventing effective policy and prolonging the state of inaction. While ensuring that equity is not forgotten in climate policy is essential, large programs like the one set forth in the Green New Deal are unlikely to garner enough bipartisan support for implementation. As such, a more ideologically neutral policy like increased funding for basic research regarding clean technology is a more feasible first step in the fight against climate change. While it certainly will not be enough, incremental action is preferable to inaction when tackling one of the most staggering challenges of our time.