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From The Socialist newspaper, 31 October 2018
60% of wildlife wiped out - urgent action needed to save planet
Wildlife, photo Gaurav Pandit/CC (Click to enlarge)
Scott Jones
Since 1970, 60% of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles have been wiped out due to deforestation, farming techniques and other human activity.
A report by leading scientists and the World Wildlife Fund warns that the annihilation of wildlife is now an emergency that threatens civilisation.
The news follows warnings that even limiting global warming to the current target of 2°C is not enough. Scientists are now insisting on the lower limit of 1.5°C - and saying we have just 12 years left to change course.
Unprecedented change is required if we want to have a planet to live on, cities and towns to live in, food to eat, water to drink and to secure the survival of wildlife and ecosystems which are vital to human life.
This change can only be achieved by socialist transformation on an international scale, through the mass action of those who most need it: the working class and young people.
Only on the basis of a socialist world - where the planet's resources are taken out of the hands of those driving climate change, the capitalists, and into collective ownership, as part of a democratic plan for green production - can we truly meet the needs of all society, and avert catastrophe.
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The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.
The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.
The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.
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- When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.
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In The Socialist 31 October 2018:
What we think
Crisis Tory Budget brings no relief from austerity
News
Only a socialist alternative can end austerity
Philip Green scandal - bring him down like BHS
60% of wildlife wiped out - urgent action needed to save planet
Workplace news
Glasgow's equal pay uprising shows power of working class
CWU conference: Sharpen up our act? Yes. But weaken our democracy? No
Welsh college staff set to strike on pay and workload
UCU: General secretary censured but anti-union laws frustrate strike ballot
Driving London's buses - a laser in the eye and a boot up the bum!
PCS Left Unity election: ballot opens
National Gallery reps endorse Chris Baugh
Precarious workers march against gig economy
Peterloo massacre
International socialist news and analysis
Bolsonaro - a threat to workers and all oppressed people
Parliamentary coup in Sri Lanka
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Call to arms by Southampton council unions
Campaign building to save Scarborough and district hospitals
The Socialist sales successes in Leeds
Opinion
'Lucas Plan' film tells story of workers who set out alternative to job losses
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