Environmentalists shouldn’t miss an opportunity to include the rest of the country in the cause
Some environmentalists focus so much on the ecological effects of our energy crisis that they ignore the very real geopolitical effects that are also being caused by our over-consumption of oil. This narrow view has two fundamental problems.
First, it fails to tap into a large portion of the population that may not be very sympathetic to green causes, but are quite sensitive to national security issues. If framed in the right way, this huge group of voters would become much more open to environmental policies.
This is because the solution to the two-headed problem of the environment and national security is closely related. This is one of the great strengths of the Pickens Plan. It taps into both widely held positions and marshals people towards the same goal.
The second problem with this eco-only approach is that it simply ignores the fact that, like the very real threat from climate change, there is also a very real threat resulting from our massive transfer of wealth to petro-states. Ranging from the financing of terrorism and nuclear development programs, to the funding of the Russian military, our over-consumption of oil has very real geopolitical impacts.
Of course this criticism should not be limited to environmentalists. It is just that we’ve already thoroughly indicted the ignorance, demagoguery, and shortsightedness of the drill, baby, drill contingent.
- Similar Posts:
- Analysis of T. Boone Pickens’ interview with the LA Times
- Missing the link between climate change and terrorism
- From around the web:
Comments
One Comment on Environmentalists shouldn’t miss an opportunity to include the rest of the country in the cause
-
Reggie on
Tue, 28th Oct 2008 8:35 am
I’m not sure these two distinct groups can be pointed in the same direction. But I agree, if they can be, it would be through framing the issue as one in the same. Might be a little optimistic, but I like it.
Please contribute to the discussion by leaving a comment below. No need to agree with the post or other commenters, but please be constructive and respectful.
