The paradox of environmentalism is that it is one of the most successful social movements in modern history that is nevertheless self-limited by its repellent fanaticism. Measured by the immense improvements in environmental quality in the U.S., the burst of environmental policy and action since the first Earth Day constitute arguably the most effective domestic policy initiative of our time. Deliberate care for the environment is now firmly institutionalized nationally and globally, and is a settled middle-class value, as best expressed in the League of Conservation Voters bumper stickers (“I vote to protect the environment!”) I have spotted on the backs of Ford Explorer V-8s and Winnebago RVs. Read Full Article »
Earth Day's 50th Eclipsed By Matters of Real Importance
The
50th anniversary of Earth Day ought to be a big occasion, with large public rallies and self-congratulatory observances along with hair-shirt wailing about the imminent end of the world from climate change. But the COVID-19 crisis and lockdown has eclipsed this solemn high holy day in ways that may have a lasting effect on environmentalism long after the economy and normal social life recover.
The paradox of environmentalism is that it is one of the most successful social movements in modern history that is nevertheless self-limited by its repellent fanaticism. Measured by the immense improvements in environmental quality in the U.S., the burst of environmental policy and action since the first Earth Day constitute arguably the most effective domestic policy initiative of our time. Deliberate care for the environment is now firmly institutionalized nationally and globally, and is a settled middle-class value, as best expressed in the League of Conservation Voters bumper stickers (“I vote to protect the environment!”) I have spotted on the backs of Ford Explorer V-8s and Winnebago RVs. Read Full Article »
The paradox of environmentalism is that it is one of the most successful social movements in modern history that is nevertheless self-limited by its repellent fanaticism. Measured by the immense improvements in environmental quality in the U.S., the burst of environmental policy and action since the first Earth Day constitute arguably the most effective domestic policy initiative of our time. Deliberate care for the environment is now firmly institutionalized nationally and globally, and is a settled middle-class value, as best expressed in the League of Conservation Voters bumper stickers (“I vote to protect the environment!”) I have spotted on the backs of Ford Explorer V-8s and Winnebago RVs. Read Full Article »
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