The book thus highlights forgotten knowledge that free market fundamentalists would prefer we not know. First, adopt an emergency wartime mindset, and prepare to do whatever it takes to win. Consumer and volunteer action is laudable, but only the state can act with the speed and scale necessary. During the war, the federal government created new economic and governmental institutions, including 28 Crown corporations. They spent what was necessary and increased overall taxation to fund it.
An effective response requires more democracy, not less. Strong wartime political leadership helped mobilize public support. Today, social movements and tactics ranging from grassroots education to civil disobedience are also needed to push politicians. Deep social inequality is toxic to the kind of necessary social solidarity, mass mobilization and sense of shared sacrifice needed to combat climate change. "Everyone has to do their bit," including shifts in consumption, transportation and home heating. A just transition for resource-sector workers, as well as Indigenous leadership, culture and respect for aboriginal title and rights, are all essential -- both as matters of justice, and to buy time as we build transformative coalitions.