I begin with Thornton. The so-called US Left is a ragtag group of associations and organizations that in many cases have no mass basis. In my opinion, this fact will continue to impede even simple reforms of the social democratic type that will improve the lot of the oppressed under capitalism, nevermind being radically anti-capitalist. But to elevate the issue of global warming to the status of a core issue in a political program is to continue a misguided communications strategy and to continue to have little mass support.
A broad fraction of the US population is simply not directly concerned with global warming and calling attention to the scientific literature will not change their minds. The survey that Henwood mentioned in his blog recently about the perceived trade-off between economic growth and the environment is one aspect of this issue. But 82% of the US population report that improving the jobs situation should be a top priority. This does not mean that those relatively unconcerned with the environment and global warming are stupid, contrary to what some seem to think.
I think the key is to build a mass movement by focusing on the concrete issues that concern the oppressed. It is they that must determine these political concerns, not technocrats. To do otherwise is to give political openings to all manner of neo-conservaties. For those whose primary political work is in the domain of global warming, I do not suggest that they should stop doing that kind of political work. I only suggest that they begin to conduct that work that highlights its class aspects. Thus, political work relating to questions of environmental justice should be granted priority over global warming per se.
With respect to the comment by Glazer, I do not think that global warming poses much of a threat to the capitalist class. It will be treated as a new domain for capital accumulation.
epoliticus