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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Three pieces the team says to read first
Environmentalism work
Research, analysis and everything we have put on the record: comments, testimony, statements, letters and endorsements.
Showing 61–66 of 72
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Analysis
How Do We Move Beyond a Politics of Limits in International Development?
"Pulling Up the Ladder" at Ecomodernism 2022
Analysis
Can an "All of the Above" Approach to Decarbonization Work?
"All of the Abundance" at Ecomodernism 2022
· Breakthrough Staff
Analysis
Will a Cold European Winter Exacerbate the Energy Crisis?
Despite the best efforts of politicians, no policy response will be able to replace the energy previously provided by Russian natural gas quickly, and this reality will come to a head in the winter.
· Patrick Brown
Analysis
Twilight of Environmental Idols
The problem with environmentalism is not simply that it isn't up to the task of building a low-carbon future but that it is actively obstructing that future.
· Ted Nordhaus
Analysis
To Decarbonize Food Production, Washington Must Invest
If DC can fund General Motors, it can also fund alternative meat and other environmental breakthroughs.
· Alex Smith, Emily Bass
61–66 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.