Working Paper No. 120

December 2018

A Green Job Guarantee & the Limits of Ecological Theory

Maxximilian Seijo



Abstract

This paper reorganizes ecological theory around monetary issuance in order to make visible inclusive paths to ecological egalitarianism. It locates a limiting decentralized localism in Post-Earth Day ecological theory, typified in Arne Næss’ ‘deep ecology’ movement. In doing so, the paper argues that these limits contribute to our deficient global response to the current and incoming effects of climate change. Given the potential revolutionary resurgence of public interest in the central tenant of the Green New Deal, a federal job guarantee, this essay insists on an ecology of centralization that can actualize such a response. By extending the work of Martin Heidegger, it identifies an egalitarian ecology in the abundant and abstract ecological relationality of money as a medium of governance.

Keywords: Ecological Theory, Green New Deal, Decentralization, Climate Change, Job Guarantee

JEL codes: Q54, Q56, Q58, P28, P48