In April 2019, The Intercept released a seven-minute video titled titled A Message from the Future with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Aptly named, the video, written by Naomi Klein, narrated by Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, and animated by Molly Crabapple, portrays a future with the Green New Deal and a society that is “dignified and humane.” When I first saw it, I cried. It is a beautiful imagining of the United States where we collectively address climate change and lift each other up in the process.

Screenshot from video “A message from the future with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez”

This video and the creative process are both addressed in Naomi Klein’s new book On Fire: The (Burning) Case for the Green New Deal. As the title suggests, Klein is advocating for the Green New Deal (GND), an ambitious and far-reaching climate action plan introduced by Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Markey. This book is more than just an argument for the proposed policy, though. It is an entire journey of Klein’s evolving thoughts on climate politics. 

On Fire captures Klein’s coverage of the developing climate crisis through a collection of essays, speeches, and articles she’s written since 2010. A prolific author and activist, Klein has made a name for herself over the past two decades critiquing capitalism and globalization. In her latest work, On Fire, she showcases her ‘greatest hits.’

Naomi Klein speaking at an event for the 150th anniversary of The Nation at Town Hall, Seattle, Washington.

If you just want to read Klein’s argument for the GND, stick to the Introduction and Epilogue. That’s hardly the point, though. Klein’s book puts current events from the last decade into the context of climate change. The BP oil spill, Pope Francis, the 2016 U.S. election, and Hurricane Harvey all make appearances. Her compelling narrative path makes a case for a comprehensive climate policy like the Green New Deal before the GND itself ever existed. In “Capitalism vs the Climate (November 2011),” Klein’s ambitious imagining of a broad climate agenda, meant to “break every rule in the free market playbook,” closely mirrors the GND.

Klein’s case for the GND is multi-faceted, too. She not only writes on its necessity, but takes a thoughtful approach to answering who, what, and how. From the top, Klein makes sure to highlight the precedent for U.S. progressive social policy by looking back at the realities of the New Deal. Then she expands outwards. One essay addresses the importance of supporting artists during the implementation of the GND. Another posits the grassroots action necessary to take such expansive and radical climate action. Klein even spends a chapter mulling over the philosophical implications of geo-engineering in the context of seeing orca whales off the shore of British Columbia (a personal favorite).

Along with her broad-reaching subject matter, Klein delivers her arguments in a semi-informal, even witty, voice. This is no surprise, considering that some of the chapters are transcriptions of speeches and all are pieces of public writing. Unlike much writing about climate change, On Fire is accessible to the casual reader who doesn’t have a degree in Environmental Studies.

That does not make the content easy to swallow, however. As with most media about the climate crisis, I found myself cycling through anger, despondency, helplessness, and cautious hope. Klein herself expresses similar feelings and, as readers, we can track her growing sense of urgency throughout the book.

Is On Fire an in-depth analysis of the Green New Deal? No, but it’s not trying to be. Instead, this book captures an evolution of thought in reaction to the climate crisis movement. Klein breaks down the urgency of the matter and helps readers to connect the dots. By the end, I am left wanting more. Not more from the book, but rather more from our governments and more for the people and the planet. On Fire will light a spark in you, so be ready.