From Oil to Clean Energy: The Transition from a war-based, carbon-based economy to one that meets human needs sustainably

The U.S. economy relies primarily on fossil fuels as its main source of energy. Consequently, carbon emissions and military spending have both reached unsustainable levels with devastating repercussions for human life. Conservatives argue that our economy will suffer if we reduce our defense spending or try to control carbon emissions. Yet research by PERI and others shows that in fact the U.S. economic situation can improve if we shift federal spending away from the military and toward areas such as clean energy, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

This session will highlight some of the research findings in an accessible manner. Activists engaged in peace organizing, environmental sustainability, education, and health care, will take away useful facts and strategies that they can use in their organizing.