Unveiling the Emerging Environmental Proletariat: A New Movement for Change

As wildfires rage in LA, awareness of environmental issues in the U.S. is rising. This devastation follows last year’s Hurricane Helene, reminding us that the planet and its inhabitants are facing serious challenges.

Extreme weather events are becoming the norm. Just ask the insurance companies leaving California due to the increasing fire risk. Their move is motivated by profit, not concern for the people affected.

These weather disasters are changing how people think. Torrential rains and wildfires are not isolated incidents; they are signs of a larger problem rooted in prioritizing profit over the planet. This is an outcome of economic and political systems that value accumulation above all else.

For the past 40 years, wage suppression has led to worsening living and working conditions for many Americans. Yet, a recent study shows a shift toward progressive views. More people are supporting policies that prioritize public health over the greed of big corporations like Big Energy, Big Pharma, and Big Tech.

The U.S. public is increasingly open to ideas that promote a cleaner environment and better quality of life. People want universal health care accessible to everyone, regardless of job status or income. Reducing working hours is also seen as a way to enhance well-being.

Human relationships and our connection to the earth are crucial. This stands in stark contrast to a global system that continues to harm the planet. Phrases like “drill, baby, drill” by political figures highlight a dangerous mindset focused solely on extraction and exploitation.

There’s a growing movement opposing the profit-driven nature of petro-capitalism. In his book, The Dialectics of Ecology, John Bellamy Foster introduces the idea of the “environmental proletariat.” He describes this group as a revolutionary force made up of the working population ready to fight for a better world.

Capitalism is always changing how we live and work, often for the worse. Modern agribusiness practices, filled with harmful chemicals, illustrate this well. These methods can jeopardize human health—quite different from traditional farming that focused on safety and sustainability.

While the wildfires in LA continue, concerns about bird flu linger. The agribusiness sector puts the public at risk by prioritizing profits over safety. Regulatory oversight is often sidelined in favor of corporate interests, and this threatens public health on many fronts.

Political action doesn’t only happen during elections. The idea that democracy is limited to voting is outdated. We need a form of politics that emphasizes grassroots movements—something that challenges the status quo in the major political parties.

Current political systems often lead to a disengaged public. Disunity leaves many without the power to enact progressive changes. Social media, controlled by major tech companies, can further perpetuate this lack of political engagement, counteracting true democratic processes.

Working together for equality and sustainability is a tough but necessary challenge. Historical movements show us that collective action can lead to major changes. For example, the abolition of slavery in the U.S. was achieved through the perseverance of countless individuals united for a common goal.

Change is possible when people come together. As 2025 approaches, it’s clear that our planet is in distress. It’s crucial that we don’t turn a blind eye to this urgent reality.