Report
Environmentalism
Our position
Caring for the environment and being an environmentalist are not the same thing. Environmentalism centers its politics around the concept of “the environment,” which is either a poor synonym for everything, or an unscientific idea that nature stands apart from people. This leads environmentalists to reify nature as the guiding star for their political claims, falsely asserting dubious positions regarding overpopulation, planetary boundaries, and climate catastrophe as established facts. Tactical choices compound upon this shaky political foundation, producing alarmist rhetoric and abstract protests that neither reflect the prevailing scientific evidence on disasters and warming nor move the public to act. Instead, mainstream environmentalism habitually produces fatalism and polarization.
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Environmentalism work
Research, analysis and everything we have put on the record: comments, testimony, statements, letters and endorsements.
Showing 55–60 of 72
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Analysis
On the Differences Between Ecomodernism and Effective Altruism
In short: an unscalable ecocentrism, an unworkable longtermism, and an impractical anti-institutionalism.
· Alex Trembath
Analysis
The Future of Nuclear Energy Comes Down to the Fuel
Advanced reactors are on the way, but the United States isn’t making the fuel to run them.
· Matthew L. Wald
Report
Confronting the Solar Manufacturing Industry's Human Rights Problem
New report, "Sins of a Solar Empire," calls for solar industry to address unethical solar photovoltaic manufacturing in Xinjiang.
· Seaver Wang, Juzel Lloyd, Guido Núñez-Mujica
Analysis
How Electricity Deregulation is Shaping Advanced Nuclear Reactor Designs
A deregulated market discourages decarbonization, and shapes what kind of reactors are likely to be built.
· Matthew L. Wald
Analysis
Electricity Deregulation has a Decarbonization Blind Spot
Being low carbon doesn’t get you more revenue in the electric market
· Matthew L. Wald
Analysis
Why Aren’t We Decarbonizing?
Because we told the electricity companies not to.
· Matthew L. Wald
55–60 of 72
Who to talk to
Ted Nordhaus
Founder and President Email
Latest: The Original Environmental Economist: RIP Uncle Bill
Questions
What is environmentalism?
Environmentalism refers to social movements that aim to protect nature and reduce human impacts on the environment. Environmentalist thought encompasses approaches ranging from conservation and pollution control to limitations on private consumption.
What do environmentalists believe?
Environmentalists generally seek to protect nature, reduce pollution, conserve resources, and mitigate climate change. They disagree about how to achieve these goals. Some emphasize reducing consumption and development, while others favor technological innovation, clean energy, and economic growth that reduces environmental impacts.
Why are environmentalists against nuclear power?
Not all environmentalists oppose nuclear power. Opposition historically arose out of concerns over accidents, radioactive waste, weapons proliferation, and high costs, as well as broader skepticism of large technologies developed by centralized, technocratic institutions. Many environmentalists now support nuclear energy technologies for their ability to provide abundant, reliable, low-carbon electricity with a minimal environmental footprint.