The problem with the contemporary environmental movement [View All]

[blindpig]

It has become a plaything of the upper classes. Perhaps it always has been. This is not to say that it is wrong to care about the environment or that folks of little or no means don't care about the environment. Rather, the options and solutions presented by the environmental movement are weighted heavily towards the sensibilities, capabilities and comfort zone of the well off. Those solutions and options, grossly inadequate to cure what ails us, serve as naught but a balm for the conscience of those that can afford it. Never mind that most proudly live in suburbs, environmental disasters, invest in corporations which fuck over everything in their paths. They shoot off a check for the charismatic megafauna of the month, rally for the creation of parks and preserves, not understanding or possibly not caring that these feelgood measures will not "save" much of anything in the long run.

The environmental movement has stalled precisely because it is classist. The capitalists have taken good advantage of this, cynically using class to persuade working folks that environmental concern is an elitists hobby.

Immediate survival is the first priority. When people's needs are met then maybe they might have the time and means to care or work for environmental preservation and restoration. When care is taken with all of the environment and not just "vacation destinations" which can only be reached and afforded by the well off the poor might take the movement more seriously. The environmental movement must come to understand that without economic justice there is no chance for environmental preservation.