In 2023, Europe faced record-breaking heatwaves, leading workers to demand protection from extreme heat. Employees in Athens and Rome went on strike, demanding better working conditions during peak heat. This highlighted the ancient connection between Hades, god of the dead, and modern-day climate crisis, symbolizing the accumulation of wealth at the expense of the planet. Despite calls for a green transition, greenhouse gases and global heating rates continue to rise due to institutional constraints prioritizing capital accumulation over environmental sustainability.
Class struggle is at the heart of climate breakdown responses, with workers resisting transition costs and advocating for a habitable planet. From anti-environmental backlash to progressive movements like the gilets jaunes in France, various forms of resistance emerge against wealth polarization and environmental degradation. Workers have mobilized globally, demanding better protection from climate hazards and pushing for worker-led green transition initiatives across industries like automotive and aviation.
Workers’ movements have historically championed environmental concerns, exemplified by initiatives like the Lucas Plan and recent efforts to transition to green-collar jobs in response to climate breakdown. As the world faces escalating environmental challenges, the intersection of climate activism and labor rights is essential for a just and sustainable future.