Populism could derail the green transition
"Western politicians are scared of a backlash against #ClimateChange policies that have been sold as good for the economy."
#NetZero goals are perceived to be championed by elites while for the ordinary person, the cost of the transition is too high.
https://www.ft.com/content/b9912ffe-08dd-4653-863c-21885d727d20
The wealthy "elites" are the ones who can afford to buy EVs (usually *in addition to* their ICE cars), and the ones who can plunk down the cash for a heat pump. As you point out, they're the ones who tend to own shares in the auto industry, not the auto workers.
It's time to raise taxes on them. We need those funds to support the transition for those who couldn't do it on their own.
There is enough money--capital--in circulation that a transition to a green economy is both possible and practical. However, doing so increases the cost of subsistance. As you pointed out, the cost of transportation is increased becasuse EV's are more expensive than a 2003 ICE beater.
The natural inclination of those who are currently entitled to profits of corporations is to retain said profits. Integral to retaining profits is keeping the cost of labour low: paying the bare minimum. The bare minimum is incredibly hard to survive on already. These people are right to be aggrieved at the wealthy elites for forcing such an onerous burden upon those who already have little.
Not only do taxes need to be raised, but the absolute right of a private owner to a private good, must be called into question. The ownership of private property invests the owner with significant economic might. Might has never been a measure of right.
For so long, the discourse around private ownership has been about individuality, independance, and personal freedom. Now, the discource around private ownership must add a new concept: Responsibility. To enrich oneself at the expense of one's fellow men cannot be permitted.
The concept of ownership must be destroyed in it's entirety, and be replaced by the concept of stewardship. We are all caretakers of our lands, our industries, and our peoples. We cannot be owners, and we cannot be slave-masters. Anywhere and everywhere the rights of private property are used to enrich oneself at the expense of others, those rights must be revoked.
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