Chapter Summary

Current trends are not predictions of what must be, but rather warnings of what may be, depending on the course we follow. Protests surrounding the meeting of the World Trade Organization and other gatherings to discuss global governance show how many cultural and institutional factors affect our global environment as well as how we are all interconnected. Knowledge about, and concern for, our environment is at an all-time worldwide high. Perhaps it is not unreasonable to hope that we will find ways to achieve social goals and environmental protection. The main goals of environmental education are to expand environmental literacy among the general public and to prepare students for environmental careers. Environmental literacy is a basic understanding of the natural and built environments and the relationships between humans and their environment. There are many opportunities for careers at a variety of different levels in the environmental field.

Businesses are rushing to invent and market environmental technology and “green” consumer goods. We have to look carefully at the claims made for “environmentally friendly” products. Some are true but others are not. We also must ask ourselves how much we need or have a right to consume. There is much we can do through our individual choices of goods and services, but we must be careful to avoid green scams and fraudulent marketing. Independent, scientific, lifetime analysis can help us make informed decisions. Some people are opting for voluntary simplicity to reduce stress, create time, and lessen their consumption levels.

There are many opportunities for collective action to bring about social change. Student environmental groups offer chances to network with others, learn useful organizing techniques, do good work, and have fun. The large national “mainline” environmental organizations have a degree of respectability, power, and influence unmatched by smaller, independent groups. Monkey wrenching, tree-sitting, and other forms of direct action are highly controversial tactics espoused by some radical environmentalists. A majority of the world’s population supports environmental safeguards. Many people are willing to pay more for cleaner air and water, but anti-environmental forces also are becoming more vocal.

Sustainable development promises to alleviate acute poverty while also protecting the environment. Many nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) as well as intergovernmental treaties and conventions work toward these twin goals. In many countries, green politics espouses four key values of ecological wisdom, peace and social justice, grassroots democracy, and freedom from violence. While it is difficult to introduce new national parties in the United States, there are opportunities to work within the legislative, judicial, and administrative agencies to bring about change.

The Earth Charter affirms many key values of environmental science and sustainable development, including respect for all life, ecosystem protection and restoration, human rights, equitable sharing of resources, eradication of poverty, democratic decision making, and a sense of shared responsibility for the well-being of the earth community.