In the World of Green: Need for Collective Action

Disillusionment is a salient problem for any movement – be it religious, political, or social. It is a phenomenon that can chip away one’s resolve, leading one to become doubtful of the purpose behind actions. Even solid supporters may budge, asking themselves “Even if it is a good cause, are the steps being taken the right ones?” This breeds skepticism exponentially and may even lead to a falling out.

Every movement, then, must fervently work against disillusionment. It is an occurrence that must be avoided – for when the hope is lost, the cause is lost. The environmental movement is no exception.

A Loss of Faith in Green?

This possible dissolution of faith in “green” has been noted in Francesca Olivieri Huffington Post article, “Is the Green Movement Dead,” which was something of a response to Gernot Wagner’s op-ed in the New York Times, “Going Green but Going Nowhere.” There, Olivieri asked “Do these small actions really make a difference?” regarding recycling, person energy conservation, and small consumer choices.

According to Wagner, no, they don’t. This self-sacrifice is not effective in combating a problem that in worldly in scope. It may be morally good, but it is not a solution to the problem of growing carbon emissions for the billions who find themselves outside the developed world. For them, their needs (and thereby emissions) are only growing – they cannot reduce one ton of carbon a year produced – unlike us, who can reduce our 20 tons a year to 18 by simply opting for “staycation.”

While Wagner notes that the real way to change our behavior and national emission rate is through self-interest via regulated limiting of pollution (meaning cap and trade), Olivieri is not too confident in that piece of legislation passing. The President has faced stiff opposition on nearly every single reform. Add cap and trade and/or a carbon tax to the equation? Not very likely.

Now, we find ourselves – each being dedicated to supporting the environment for our future generations – with a downplaying of individual action and stark circumstances regarding collective cooperation. The green movement is dead.

Or is it?

The Need for Collective Action

To me, and to Olivieri and Wagner, it most definitely is NOT. The green movement is alive, it is pushing along, and it is hopeful for the future. To Wagner, we must realize basic economic lessons in addition to basic environmental ones. Let us use our capitalistic system to elicit self-interested responses. To Olivieri, giving up isn’t an option. We must couple our individual actions with broader, more holistic solutions – unplug that toaster and lobby your school to reduce energy, as she says.

We must remain hopeful, as so many have worked tirelessly to forward this mission and in much darker times. In the world of green, what we need now is to supplement our individual action with something just as important: collective action.