Environmentalism & Development Series, Part One: Why Do Environmentalists Oppose Developments?
This blog is part of a four-part series that aims to shed some light on the interplay between environmentalism and development, including debunking common misconceptions of the environmentalist outlook on new development. This piece will discuss common reasons why environmentalists oppose development projects.
It’s a tired trope: at the site of new construction, environmentalists chain themselves to the trees to prevent bulldozers from clearing the land. While this tactic was, in fact, used by environmentalists in the past, it is relatively uncommon in the modern era. Today, environmentalists still recognize the structural foundations of power are set up in most governments to advance and not restrain unfettered growth and development, but also recognize that organized political and legal tools are typically more effective than pocketed resistance. Modern environmentalists also recognize that sustainable development is necessary to support the human population. Resources have to be obtained even to build solar panels, and higher density homes and infrastructure are required as humans migrate to cities.
Modern environmentalists also recognize that sustainable development is necessary to support the human population. Resources have to be obtained even to build solar panels, and higher density homes and infrastructure are required as humans migrate to cities.
What is environmentalism?
To understand why environmentalists oppose development it is essential to know what is environmentalism. Environmentalism is a political, philosophical, and ethical movement that aims to protect and improve the natural environment. It seeks to end environmentally harmful human activities. The environmentalist movement can be broken down into two subdivisions: anthropocentric (human-centered) and biocentric (life-centered). The anthropocentric position focuses on the negative aspects of environmental degradation in connection with how it harms humans. It frames the movement in terms of what humans owe to each other through a healthy and vibrant environment for all to enjoy. Critics of the anthropocentric approach accuse the position of being selfish by viewing the environment as something to be exploited and managed for human use and enjoyment.
In contrast to anthropocentrism, biocentrism states that the environment and non-human beings have intrinsic value and worth that does not depend on human use and consumption. Simply put, biocentrism values the environment and natural world simply because it exists, without qualification of whether it is useful to humans. Biocentrists believe that humans are morally bound to protect the environment as well as nonhuman beings because we exist in the same Earthly community.
What types of development projects do environmentalists oppose?
Environmentalists recognize that some development continues to be necessary to support the human population. However, they oppose unchecked and unsustainable development. This can include many types of irresponsible development projects. From projects that negatively affect sensitive ecosystems to projects that encourage unsustainable growth or developments that negatively impact water and air quality, development must be thoughtfully handled with care.
There are many sensitive ecosystems in the United States, from the Everglades to the desert highlands. One issue that developers may face is accounting for wildlife habitat. Endangered and threatened species must and should be considered before and during proposed projects, and critical habitat for wildlife should be avoided. But what about boundary areas of critical habitat, or habitat of other unprotected wildlife? Responsible developments should still incorporate plans and procedures that mitigate the harm caused to the surrounding wildlife and natural environment. This may mean implementing development plans that limit population density in some places while expanding it in others or developing with creative sustainable solutions that allow wildlife to coexist within human housing.
What are sustainable development solutions?
Sustainability is the buzzword of the environmentalist movement. But what exactly does it mean for a development to be “sustainable?”
Sustainable development can include popular alternative forms of energy, such as harnessing wind energy or putting solar panels on roofs. It can include “green roofs,” also known as rooftop gardens and terraces. Sustainable homes are designed with energy efficiency in mind and are built with recycled or low-impact resources, incorporate natural light, and are not intrusive upon the surrounding environment. As more developers are swayed to build sustainable buildings, solutions become more visually appealing and high-tech.
Many communities have zoning regulations in place to require developers to think sustainably when creating their development plans. Many communities oppose the ever-growing “urban-sprawl,” where subdivision upon subdivision of single-family homes and Big Box stores overtake former low-density and rural areas. However, many communities do not have these checks in place, or planning and permitting agencies to grant variances to allow this unsustainable growth to occur. In either situation, environmentalists often encourage the community and the developer to go a step further and create a development plan that works for both the community and the surrounding natural environment.
Stay tuned for our follow up post, which will discuss common misconceptions of what sustainable development entails as well as how it is possible to both have environmental protection and community growth.