Kathmandu— The pursuit of effective climate solutions is being systematically undermined by the prioritization of capital gains over genuine change, a trend observed since 2017. While initial proposals from figures like Robert Pollin aimed for minimal action—and predictably failed—the core issue lies in the power of wealthy interests to shape policy for their own benefit. This dynamic has been exacerbated by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) used to disseminate propaganda, and a political landscape dominated by centrist factions that prioritize financial oligarchs over substantive environmental progress.

The Failure of Pragmatic Climate Solutions

Initial hopes for addressing climate change through pragmatic, minimalist approaches have proven ineffective. Robert Pollin, appointed by Joe Biden to lead climate efforts, delivered a plan that prioritized ease of implementation over impactful results—a predictable outcome, according to the author, who foresaw this in a 2017 analysis. The fundamental flaw lies in ignoring the influence of capital, which consistently redirects public policy towards enriching America’s wealthiest individuals and corporations.

A Bipartisan History of Environmental Policy

The current political divide regarding environmental issues is a relatively recent phenomenon. While Republicans began to distance themselves from environmentalism with Ronald Reagan’s election in 1980, the first head of the EPA, William Ruckelshaus, was a Republican who prioritized ecological goals. The emergence of the urban/rural split stemmed from policies that benefited certain regions at the expense of others, creating resentment and fueling political polarization. This historical context reveals a shift from bipartisan environmental concern to a current state where neither party fully prioritizes it.

Outsourcing Emissions and the AI Threat

US greenhouse gas emissions have been effectively outsourced to China, masking the true extent of the problem. Now, the development of artificial intelligence—driven by a handful of tech billionaires—threatens to further exacerbate emissions through massive infrastructure projects with questionable value. This pattern reinforces the author’s 2017 argument: without controlling capital, meaningful environmental progress is impossible. The focus on technologies like carbon capture and electric vehicles, while seemingly progressive, simply replaces existing problems with new ones, failing to address the root causes of pollution.

AI as a Propaganda Tool

Recent reports indicate Israel has invested heavily in manipulating AI training data with pro-genocide messaging. However, this manipulation builds upon an already biased system—US state propaganda and corporate interests are deeply embedded within AI algorithms through sources like the New York Times, Washington Post, and Pentagon. Ninety-two percent of AI users trust the first response they receive, making AI a powerful tool for disseminating misinformation and reinforcing existing power structures. The author notes that this isn’t a matter of opinion but rather a mathematical consequence of how probability models operate within biased datasets.

Centrist Democrats and the Erosion of Progressive Goals

Within the Democratic Party, self-described ‘centrists’ are actively dismantling progressive initiatives, prioritizing the interests of financial oligarchs. This pattern was evident in the removal of Bernie Sanders as a presidential candidate in both 2016 and 2020, and continues to shape the party’s direction. The author argues that these centrists represent a fringe element within the Democratic base, serving as mouthpieces for wealthy donors rather than genuine advocates for their constituents.

A Future of Distrust and Unsustainable Growth

The current trajectory points towards a future where AI is used to reinforce existing power structures and disseminate propaganda. Despite potential benefits in areas like manufacturing automation, the technology’s inherent biases and susceptibility to manipulation raise serious concerns about its reliability. The author predicts that the AI boom will ultimately prove unsustainable, fueled by excessive investment and lacking genuine economic value.

The convergence of unchecked capital, biased AI systems, and a politically fractured landscape presents significant obstacles to meaningful environmental progress. Without addressing these underlying issues, current efforts risk becoming mere gestures—or worse, tools for exacerbating the crisis.

(With inputs from CounterPunch)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.