California Socialists to Discuss Climate Disasters and Organizing Strategies at Upcoming Forum

Socialist organizations in California are hosting speakers this weekend for a forum exploring socialist perspectives on the rise in climate disasters. The event is part of the ongoing “Suds, Snacks & Socialism” series, co-organized by the Alameda County branch of the Peace and Freedom Party, Oakland Greens, and other area groups.

According to details published by the state Peace and Freedom Party, the forum will take place at the Starry Plough Pub in Berkeley on Saturday, March 1. Participants can also attend remotely. The discussion will address recent climate-related disasters, such as the Los Angeles wildfires in January, and broader issues including intensified droughts, flooding, and storms, as well as how to organize in response.

“The L.A. fires are a recent instance of the many disasters related to climate change that are occurring around the world. These include more frequent and harsher droughts, increasing flooding events, and more intense and destructive storms like hurricanes and tornadoes. Capitalist players, like the monopolistic fossil fuel and utilities corporations, are exacerbating this crisis,” the party writes.

Featured speakers include Ted Franklin, legal consultant for the “No Coal in Oakland” campaign, member of the Democratic Socialists of America’s Green New Deal caucus, and coordinating committee member of the “System Change, Not Climate Change” coalition. Joining him is Scott Brown, an electrical engineer and organizer with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, as well as one with the Reclaim Our Power Coalition.

Marsha Feinland of the Peace and Freedom Party will moderate the discussion.

The “Suds, Snacks & Socialism” forums are monthly socialist discussions that have been held for over a decade and are currently co-sponsored by the Oakland Greens, the Alameda County Peace and Freedom Party, and the Bay Area “System Change, Not Climate Change” coalition. Organizers note that the views expressed are those of the speakers and are presented for their discussion value.