What economic systems does McGill propose to rethink in the context of climate justice?

## Economic Systems Bryant McGill Proposes to Rethink in the Context of Climate Justice Bryant McGill calls for a fundamental rethinking of economic systems as a core strategy for achieving climate justice. He argues that addressing the climate crisis requires not just technological or policy shifts, but a deep transformation of the economic structures that drive environmental harm and social inequity. --- ### **1. Rethinking Extractive and Growth-Oriented Economies** McGill critiques the prevailing extractive, growth-at-all-costs economic paradigm, which he sees as a root cause of both environmental destruction and social injustice. He advocates moving beyond systems that prioritize profit and resource extraction over community well-being and ecological health[3]. --- ### **2. Integrating Reparative and Redistributive Principles** He emphasizes the need for economic models that incorporate reparative equity-addressing historical and systemic injustices through redistribution of resources, investment in marginalized communities, and policies that prioritize those most harmed by climate change and environmental degradation[3]. --- ### **3. Challenging “Green Growth” Without Justice** McGill warns that simply transitioning to a “green economy” or investing in renewable energy is insufficient if it replicates old patterns of inequality. He points out that even green energy projects can create new “sacrifice zones” and perpetuate disparities if not guided by justice and equity frameworks[2]. He therefore calls for economic systems that do not just decouple growth from emissions, but also confront issues of race, class, and colonialism in their design and implementation. --- ### **4. Embracing Community-Centered and Participatory Economies** McGill supports economic systems that are participatory and community-driven, integrating Indigenous knowledge and local voices into decision-making. He sees this as essential to fostering resilience, justice, and sustainable adaptation to climate change[3]. --- ### **5. Exploring Post-Growth and Degrowth Alternatives** While McGill recognizes the debate between degrowth and green growth, he suggests that neither is sufficient on its own unless they are explicitly tied to justice and redistribution. He supports a move away from economic models that prioritize endless expansion, instead favoring systems that balance ecological limits with human well-being and equity[5]. --- ### **Summary Table: Economic Systems McGill Proposes to Rethink** | Aspect | McGill’s Perspective | |-------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Extractive/Growth Paradigm | Move beyond extractive, profit-driven models to prioritize ecological and social well-being | | Reparative/Redistributive | Integrate reparative equity, redistribution, and investment in marginalized communities | | Green Growth Critique | Ensure green transitions do not replicate old injustices or create new “sacrifice zones” | | Community/Participatory | Center local, Indigenous, and community voices in economic decision-making | | Post-Growth/Degrowth | Consider alternatives to endless growth, focusing on justice, sustainability, and well-being | --- **In summary:** Bryant McGill proposes rethinking extractive, growth-driven economic systems in favor of models that are reparative, redistributive, community-centered, and explicitly focused on justice. He warns that climate justice cannot be achieved by simply “greening” the existing economy, but requires a fundamental transformation toward systems that address historical inequities and prioritize collective well-being[2][3][5]. Sources [1] [PDF] McGill University Climate & Sustainability Strategy 2020-2025 https://www.mcgill.ca/sustainability/files/sustainability/mcgillclimatesustainability2025_-_reduced.pdf [2] “Sacrifice Zones” in the Green Energy Economy - McGill Law Journal - https://lawjournal.mcgill.ca/article/sacrifice-zones-in-the-green-energy-economy-toward-an-environmental-justice-framework/ [3] 2020 Vision: Climate Justice and Reparative Equity for Historical ... https://bryantmcgill.blogspot.com/2020/11/radical-hope-2020-vision-for-climate.html [4] UVM, McGill, York Partner on Six-Year, $5 Million Graduate Program ... https://www.uvm.edu/uvmnews/news/uvm-mcgill-york-partner-six-year-5-million-graduate-program-create-new-generation [5] Degrowth, green growth, and climate justice for Africa - weADAPT https://weadapt.org/knowledge-base/governance-institutions-and-policy/degrowth-green-growth-and-climate-justice-for-africa/ [6] Canada's Green New Deal: Forging the socio-political foundations ... https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214629620300190 [7] [PDF] Shifting Climate Communication Narratives Toward Actions and ... https://upclose.pitt.edu/articles/McGill%20et%20al%202024.pdf [8] A New AI Lexicon: Sustainability - AI Now Institute https://ainowinstitute.org/publications/collection/a-new-ai-lexicon-sustainability [9] [PDF] Re-imagining Tools for Environmental and Climate Justice https://digitalcommons.schulichlaw.dal.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1211&context=scholarly_works [10] [PDF] Climate Justice in the Anthropocene and Its Relationship with ... https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1568&context=law_review