Environmentalism of the Rich

Abstract

This book analyzes the power of environmentalism to advance global sustainability. On some measures progress would seem strong. Wildlife sanctuaries are multiplying. Eco-certification is strengthening. Energy efficiency is rising. And recycling is increasing by the day. Yet the earth continues to spiral into a worsening sustainability crisis. Why? Is the world community perhaps on the verge of turning the tables on this crisis? Partly, a global political economy of ever more – of more growth, sales, and consumption – is swamping environmental gains. At the same time powerful political and corporate forces are dividing, suppressing, and capturing environmentalism. Environmentalists have much to be proud of, and many caring people have sacrificed their lives to defend nature. As this book reveals, however, the comforts and concerns of those with money, status, and power are increasingly coming to dominate the demands and outcomes of environmentalism. Manifestations of “environmentalism of the rich” – such as sustainable development policies, corporate responsibility initiatives, nongovernmental partnerships with business, and eco-consumerism – are doing some good. But as this book shows environmentalism of the rich is not aggregating into global progress, doing little to alter the violent, inequitable, and unjust sources of wealth, and failing completely to curb the accelerating globalization of unsustainability. Progress will require the environmental movement to confront these failures head on, especially the consequences of rising rates of unequal and unsustainable consumption.