The long-term future of humanity (Anders Sandberg)

Abstract

Sunrise Movement, a U.S. youth-led organization focused on climate activism, aims to transform climate policy in the United States to more aggressive action, eventually replacing fossil-fuel-related mechanisms with a framework focusing on racial and economic justice called the Green New Deal. Founded in 2017, Sunrise employs strategies of mobilizing public support and exerting pressure on politicians. These efforts include civil disobedience, meetings with elected officials, endorsements of candidates committed to their values, and voter outreach. Since 2021, due to a Democratic trifecta in the U.S. government, Sunrise has been able to gain major political traction, resulting in provisions from the Green New Deal being included in major U.S. climate policy bills. Our analysis of Sunrise’s approach finds that it is evidence-based, has attracted significant support, and aligns with recent U.S. public opinion shifts toward more aggressive climate policy. However, since Sunrise’s recent growth has been so rapid, we are concerned about its internal cohesion, potential for burnout, and its lack of a clear strategy moving forward. – AI-generated abstract.