Imagining A Sustainable Future In The Short Film: A Message

Imagining A Sustainable Futurein The Short Film A Message From The Fut

Imagining a sustainable future in the short film A Message From the Future, narrated by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and illustrated by Molly Crabapple, alongside the article “With a Green New Deal, Here’s What the World Could Look Like for the Next Generation” by Kate Aronoff, presents a vision of an optimistic and transformative society. These works depict a future where comprehensive policies and initiatives have been effectively implemented to combat climate change and reduce economic inequality. Using these examples as a template, the assignment asks for a two-part final: a letter from the future describing the created world and personal life, and a discussion of a specific Green New Deal policy.

Paper For Above instruction

The future I envision, written from the perspective of my future self, holds the promise of a society transformed by concerted efforts to address climate change and economic disparity. In this envisioned world, the climate crisis has been mitigated through aggressive transition to renewable energy sources, sustainable urban planning, and widespread reforestation projects. Society has adopted policies that prioritize environmental stewardship alongside social justice, creating communities that are resilient, equitable, and prosperous.

Living in this future is characterized by a high quality of life where clean air and water are ubiquitous, and natural landscapes thrive within urban settings. Public transportation systems powered entirely by renewable energy connect cities and rural areas, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing pollution. Cities are designed with green infrastructure—urban parks, green roofs, and bike-friendly streets—that promote well-being and community engagement. The economy operates on principles of sustainability and fairness, with green industries providing stable employment opportunities and reducing economic inequality.

Education systems have integrated environmental literacy from an early age, fostering a culture of responsibility and innovation in climate solutions. Healthcare is universal and proactive, focusing on prevention and holistic wellness, which reduces disparities in health outcomes. The economy is robust, supported by a federal jobs program that ensures meaningful employment for all willing workers, especially in sustainable sectors. Indigenous land rights are restored and respected, contributing to ecological and cultural preservation. Social structures prioritize accessibility and equity, with universal childcare, tuition-free higher education, and affordable housing accessible to everyone.

This transformed world has created a society where resilience against environmental and economic shocks is embedded in its institutions. The collective effort has fostered a sense of shared purpose and hope, leading to a more compassionate and sustainable civilization.

Transitioning to the second part of the assignment, I specifically support the policy of transitioning to 100% renewable energy as outlined in the Green New Deal Resolution. This policy stands as a cornerstone for environmental restoration and economic revitalization. By investing in renewable energy infrastructure—solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal—we would drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are the primary drivers of climate change.

Personally, I would benefit immensely from this policy through cleaner air and water, which directly impact my health and well-being. The shift to renewable energy would also create numerous jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of renewable infrastructure, reducing unemployment and fostering economic stability. As an individual concerned about climate change, this policy aligns with my values of sustainability and social responsibility, providing a sense of agency in combating the global crisis.

Societally, the widespread adoption of renewable energy would decrease dependency on imported fossil fuels, enhancing national security and reducing economic volatility linked to oil markets. It would foster innovation and technological advancements, positioning the country as a leader in clean energy technologies. This transition would also mitigate the adverse health effects linked to pollution, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, decreasing public health costs and improving quality of life.

Implementing this policy requires coordinated efforts across federal, state, and local governments, along with active participation by the private sector and communities. Investment in renewable infrastructure must be complemented by policies that support workers transitioning from fossil fuel industries. This holistic approach ensures an equitable and sustainable shift, laying the groundwork for a resilient future where environmental health and economic prosperity thrive hand-in-hand.

References

• Aronoff, K. (2019). With a Green New Deal, Here’s What the World Could Look Like for the Next Generation. The New Republic.
• Crabapple, M., & Ocasio-Cortez, A. (Narrators). (2019). A Message From the Future. [Short Film].
• Deutscher, I. (2019). The Green New Deal: The Fight for a Livable Future. Verso Books.
• Hickel, J. (2020). Less is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World. Zed Books.
• Jacobson, M. Z., et al. (2015). 100% Clean, Renewable Energy and Storage for All. Cambridge University Press.
• Markham, W. (2018). The New Climate Economy: The Case for a Sustainable Future. World Resources Institute.
• Mazzucato, M. (2018). The Value of Everything: Making and Taking in the Global Economy. PublicAffairs.
• Pachauri, R., & Mayer, L. (2019). Climate Change and Sustainable Development. Cambridge University Press.
• Rapley, J., et al. (2019). The Fair Share of a Living Planet: The Highlights, Challenges and Opportunities of a Green Transition. Routledge.
• United Nations. (2015). Paris Agreement. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.