Integrating Environmentalism: Finding Motivation through Translation

Abstract

Integrating Environmentalism is a hopeful response to Michael Shellenberger and Ted Nordhaus’ popular essay, The Death of Environmentalism (see Resources), which calls for an examination of current environmental framework and environmental institutions. The essay furthers the dialogue of new frameworks of environmentalism based on core human values.

In order to understand the need for a values-based environmentalism, the present cultural and political situation is contrasted with that of the 1970s, a period when environmentalism had its greatest political success. Two values-based strategies are presented as methods for gaining cultural support within a new framework of environmentalism. Both strategies, however, by limiting their focus, concede potential avenues of cultural support. By understanding and translating environmentalism within a diverse range of motivating perspectives, a larger population can recognize environmentalism as an actionable value.

To Full Essay (web version .html)
To Full Essay (word file .rtf)

Back to Winter 2005
Back to Sustainable Housing