Jameel Gordon 2/20/25 Jameel Gordon 2/20/25

The Climate Crisis Is an Economic Crisis

Look, we have an unhealthy global environment—what we like to call the climate crisis—because we have an unhealthy global economy built on a flawed economic model. Yet, everyone acts as if it’s the best system in the world.🕴🏾

I really want to title this, “Dear Walter…”, but I will save that for another time.

Jameel Gordon 2/19/25 Jameel Gordon 2/19/25

The Endogenous Sustainable Economy

A business that operates sustainably at the highest level is not just maximizing profits in the present, it’s also securing the highest possible return on its current investments for the future. This shift represents a fundamental change in how business must be conducted in the 21st century.

Now, this is a crucial point: Even without discounts, concessions, or marketing their sustainable practices, when businesses make sustainability—true sustainability—a core part of their operations, the economic benefits become self-evident. If this approach were scaled across industries, not only would the need for regulations diminish, but resource scarcity would also decrease. This, in turn, would lower production costs across the board and prevent the compounding financial burden of environmental degradation. Currently, businesses often try to offset these costs with short-term incentives like discounts and concessions, but that approach only treats the symptoms, not the root cause.

I understand the weight of this argument. What I am emphasizing is the intrinsic economic logic of true sustainability—independent of external incentives or marketing.

Sustainability as a Core Operation

When businesses genuinely integrate sustainability into their fundamental operations, it leads to inherent efficiencies and long-term cost savings.

This isn’t about “greenwashing” or surface-level gestures. It’s about fundamentally redesigning processes, supply chains, and product lifecycles to minimize environmental impact while improving economic resilience.

Systemic Benefits

If this approach were widely adopted, it would create a ripple effect throughout the global economy:

• Resource scarcity would be mitigated, reducing upward pressure on commodity prices.

• The need for costly regulatory interventions would diminish as businesses self-regulate through sustainable practices.

• The overall cost of production would decrease across all industries.

Think of the cost savings on legal and lobbyist fees - a game changer in itself.

Avoiding Future Costs

By preventing environmental damage at the outset, businesses would avoid the long-term financial burden of cleanup, remediation, and adaptation.

This would foster a more stable, predictable economic environment—one that supports long-term profitability rather than reacting to crises after the fact.

The Problem with Current Practices

Sustainability incentives—such as discounts and concessions—while sometimes useful, are ultimately a symptom of a deeper market failure. They attempt to compensate for inefficiencies rather than addressing the underlying problem.

The central argument here is that true sustainability is not a cost—it is a fundamental driver of economic efficiency and resilience.

Instead of a reactive approach that seeks to fix damage after it occurs, businesses should adopt a proactive strategy that prevents harm in the first place. This would create a win-win scenario where both the economy and the environment thrive.

If every business operated as sustainably as possible, the market would naturally self-correct, eliminating the need for many external interventions—including unpredictable corrective measures like inflation.

The Endogenous Sustainable Economy vs. The Circular Economy

The concept I am describing aligns with, and in many ways represents the ideal outcome of, the Circular Economy. However, there are key distinctions and I make no apologies:

Scope

• The Endogenous Sustainable Economy is a broad concept that encompasses environmental, social, and economic dimensions. It aims for long-term well-being by ensuring that present needs are met without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same.

• The Circular Economy is a specific framework focused on production and consumption. It primarily seeks to eliminate waste and maximize resource efficiency within an economic model.

Focus

• The Endogenous Sustainable Economy emphasizes the balance between ecological, social, and economic systems.

• The Circular Economy focuses on closed-loop systems, resource efficiency, and minimizing waste throughout the product lifecycle.

Methodology

• The Endogenous Sustainable Economy provides overarching principles and long-term goals.

• The Circular Economy offers concrete strategies and tools, such as:

• Designing out waste and pollution

• Keeping products and materials in use

• Regenerating natural systems

The Relationship Between the Two

The Endogenous Sustainable Economy argues that if businesses inherently integrate true sustainability into their core operations, the benefits that the Circular Economy seeks to achieve would emerge as a natural byproduct of those business practices.

Put simply:

• The Circular Economy is a structured approach to achieving sustainability.

• The Endogenous Sustainable Economy describes a scenario where sustainability is so deeply ingrained in business operations that the goals of the Circular Economy are achieved effortlessly.

In this sense, the two are strongly aligned. However, I am proposing a framework where the objectives of the Circular Economy are no longer an external goal but an internalized, self-sustaining reality.

This is a mitigation principle as I continue to think about the future of economics.

😮‍💨🏁💪🏾

Jameel Gordon 1/30/25 Jameel Gordon 1/30/25

My Life’s Work: Building a Sustainable Future For Everyone.

To say the least, this is my life’s work: to deconstruct the complex relationships that bind our economic systems—businesses, consumers, and the environment—and build a future for everyone—and do so in a sustainable manner. Our current economic models extracts more than it gives, prioritizes short-term profits over long-term well-being, and leaves too many behind. I know we can reimagine a sustainable future because I am.

This is not just about theory; it’s about action. It’s about the complexity of designing businesses that empower rather than exploit—and the willingness to do so at a sunk cost. It’s about acknowledging our consumption patterns, our needs, our wants, our desires as humans, being able to meet these aspects of our humanity, and do so in a way that sustains rather than deplete.

People and the planet are a given because none of us has complete control over either. It’s about ensuring the entire planet and all its inhabitants aren’t an afterthought, but it’s very foundation. And I intend to do all of this peacefully, well-fed, and in my own chosen version of opulence, and I will do so for a lifetime + more.

When I am done—when all our frameworks are in place, when sustainability isn’t just a buzzword but a lived reality—I will take a step back. I will look at my work, look at my wife, look at my kids, and look at my friends—all of my friends. And then, together, we will decide what’s next. Because the work of building a better future doesn’t end; it evolves. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.🏁🥂😘

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Jameel Gordon 1/29/25 Jameel Gordon 1/29/25

A Silent Spring: How Trump’s Spending Freeze Threatens The Environment

An ecocritical analysis of this news article [🤫] would focus on the environmental and sustainability implications of President Donald Trump’s decision to pause federal grants and loans. Ecocriticism examines how political, economic, and cultural decisions impact the environment, often scrutinizing power structures that influence ecological well-being.

1. Environmental Funding at Risk

The article mentions concerns about funding for hospitals, cancer research, and social services, but it does not explicitly address how Trump’s order affects environmental programs. However, given the scale of federal grants, it is likely that programs related to climate change mitigation, conservation, renewable energy, and environmental protection could be among those impacted. Ecocriticism would highlight how the defunding or delay of these programs could harm ecosystems, slow climate progress, or exacerbate environmental injustice.

2. Power and Environmental Policy

The debate over executive power versus congressional authority is central to this article. From an ecocritical standpoint, centralized executive control over federal spending raises concerns about whether environmental policies will be deprioritized or overturned in favor of short-term economic or political goals. If environmental grants and research funding are withheld, this could have long-term consequences for sustainability efforts, reinforcing the tendency of governments to prioritize economic concerns over ecological ones.

3. The Role of Economic Justifications in Environmental Policy

Republicans argue that the spending pause is meant to reduce waste and ensure efficiency. From an ecocritical perspective, this economic justification often masks deeper ideological battles over environmental regulation. Historically, efforts to reassess spending have led to cuts in funding for climate change research, clean energy development, and environmental justice programs. If such a pause leads to permanent reductions in these areas, it could slow down or reverse progress on sustainability goals.

4. Environmental Justice and Vulnerable Communities

The article mentions Meals on Wheels, healthcare funding, and social services, all of which are tied to environmental justice. Many marginalized communities rely on federal grants for clean water initiatives, disaster relief, and pollution control. A suspension of funding could disproportionately impact these communities, exacerbating existing environmental inequalities. Ecocriticism would draw attention to how power struggles in Washington directly impact the ability of vulnerable populations to access clean air, water, and sustainable living conditions.

5. The Larger Ecocritical Context: Precedent for Environmental Deregulation

Trump’s move is part of a broader historical pattern where executive power is used to challenge environmental policies. Ecocritics might compare this to previous instances where funding for climate programs was restricted or scientific research was censored under administrations that prioritized economic growth over sustainability. This decision could serve as a precedent for future leaders to justify defunding climate-related initiatives under the guise of fiscal responsibility.

Conclusion

From an ecocritical perspective, Trump’s order represents more than just a constitutional crisis it is also a potential environmental crisis. The suspension of federal grants and loans could stall critical sustainability efforts, weaken environmental protections, and exacerbate climate injustice. The broader issue at stake is not just executive overreach but how political power is leveraged to shape environmental policy and who ultimately bears the consequences.

I digress.

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Jameel Gordon 1/9/25 Jameel Gordon 1/9/25

To Our Friends in LA

To my friends in Los Angeles, my friends with friends in Los Angeles, and my friends who are climate activists:

I deeply appreciate the relentless work of climate activists around the world who view these fires as yet another stark reminder of the severe consequences of the climate crisis. While your commitment to climate action is invaluable, right now is not the moment for that kind of activism. This is something different.

To my friends in LA: focus on securing the safety of your loved ones and your community. Work to prevent further destruction of public and private property, as well as the land impacted by these fires. Start thinking about how you will rebuild your community, your city, and even its leadership to ensure stronger, more effective leadership are in place to prevent this kind of devastation in the future. Secure the bags and pay it forward.

To my friends with loved ones in LA: take note. Protect your communities and your loved ones. Work to prevent further harm and destruction. Begin thinking collectively about how we can rebuild stronger communities and cities, which includes building leadership that can better serve and protect against future crises. Secure the bags and pay it forward.

In the meantime, I’ll be here sipping. Take care, loves! We’re unstoppable! 🏁🥷🏾👋🏾

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Jameel Gordon 1/6/25 Jameel Gordon 1/6/25

Our Future Economic Model

As I continue reflecting on the “future of economics,” I see it as the most obvious solution to the climate crisis. Previously, I shared a concept I called “A Simple Formula for Avoiding Climate Disaster: Clean Air, Oceans, Soil, and Sustainable Systems.” This idea emphasizes the urgent need to redesign how we produce, distribute, and consume. I’ve often said, “We’re going to redesign everything,” and by everything, I truly mean everything.

That said, one thing is clear: none of this will be possible unless we reconsider the future of economics in a meaningful, deep, and grounded way. None of our current economic models or systems are truly sustainable.

Now, don’t get me wrong—there are plenty of interesting ideas out there. But if I’m being honest, I don’t believe any of them represent a viable way forward for all of us. Many are misguided, benefiting only a select few, or they come with implications and results that simply aren’t justifiable. None of these systems—whether it’s socialism, barter economies, or otherwise—are equitable, fair, or sustainable enough to address the challenges we face.

For my part, I believe capitalism is still the best model we have. However, even capitalism has become outdated—a system that, at this point, is undeniably a source of many of our problems. While I would still label myself a capitalist, I must admit this model has reached its peak. So the question becomes: What’s next? What’s the evolution?

I have some thoughts about what this might look like. Perhaps it’s a system we’ve never attempted before, or maybe it’s a return to something humans once practiced long ago. I’m still exploring this, giving it thought and conducting research. But one thing is clear: without equitable, fair, and responsible finance, we’re headed for trouble. The math simply doesn’t add up in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Now, before anyone gets frantic, anxious, or confused, calm down. When I say we’re in trouble, I don’t mean it’s the end of humanity. What I’m saying is this: we can’t wait until we’re in the dark to change the batteries in our flashlight. Let’s change the batteries in our economic system now because the ones we’re using will not work in the future.

🤫🏁

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Jameel Gordon 12/9/24 Jameel Gordon 12/9/24

A Simple Formula for Avoiding Climate Disaster: Clean Air, Oceans, Soil, and Sustainable Systems.

Now, let’s address the question at hand: how can we avoid a climate disaster?

The solution is quite straightforward. To avoid a climate disaster, we must ensure clean air, clean oceans and waterways, clean soil, and a sufficient amount of trees and natural vegetation to maintain the Earth’s natural cycles in balance.

Therefore, we must fundamentally rethink our entire transportation, production, and waste management systems.

That’s it.

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Jameel Gordon 12/4/24 Jameel Gordon 12/4/24

Facing the Climate Crisis: A Call for Relentless Action and Sustainable Solutions

When it comes to the climate crisis, one thing is certain: things are going to get significantly worse before they improve. I don’t mean to alarm you, but I want to remind you that it will require a lot of intentional effort, even in the face of deliberate opposition, and this doesn’t even consider the ignorance and indifference of certain individuals and groups.

However, as the climate continues to change and worsen the living conditions for all of us, we must remain relentless in our efforts to find sustainable solutions that can save lives. Preserving and protecting the natural environment from further degradation is not only essential for the survival of our species but also for our future generations.

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