Civic Activism's True Goal

As I briefly mentioned in the last class discussion on Thursday (the 20^th), I see the Wapner reading as a fundamental debate between the “chicken-and-the-egg in environmental activism.” While Wapner sees civic engagement with the regime as a key element missing from the debate, I see it as mainly an engine to create or influence political change, particularly in the developed/industrialized world.

Wapner seems keener on public change as an endpoint for civic activism, and this is where I particularly disagree with his philosophy. I do believe civic activism has merit outside of the political arena. Passion for the cause and widespread support of environmentally-friendly changes are necessary to facilitate a reduction in damage to the environment. Without this, an environmental law would not succeed in amending the problem because most environmental restrictions lack teeth. Teeth are not necessary, however, if the public is informed and welcoming of the necessary changes. I believe, however, that this process is ultimately meant to influence high-level decisions by governments and corporate channels.

Thus, in the developed world, public opinion and willingness to change daily habits and influence corporate change is paramount. This is easily facilitated, however, by strong linkages provided by modern technology. Without dramatic social media campaigns (i.e. the KONY movement), such atrocities would not become “viral” and appealing to the public as an issue of importance. Similar tactics can and should be used for environmental regimes. One of the most powerful media assets I have seen throughout college is the Story of Stuff. Sometimes the public is not in opposition of policies that would better the environment, but are simply uninformed about the issues at hand. Informational campaigns published through social media platforms can be one of the most important tools of modern environmental activists. While I do not agree with the specific methods of “Whale Wars,” I do believe that their focus on publicizing injustice is useful.

The story changes, however, when discussing the environmental changes needed in the developing world. While technological advances are spreading rapidly, internet usage and television access are not as what is found in industrialized countries. Thus, in this case, legal remedies could be more effective than the simple dissemination of information. Environmental laws and their enforcement would be seen as more legitimate than simple informational campaigns that cannot reach the majority of the people. They would also give teeth to the fight. Developing nations need such teeth to make changes in the corporate and industrial world. An angry, environmentally-conscious populace is less likely to make significant change in a developing country because they do not hold much market incentive for the polluting company to shift behaviors. In developed countries, the power of the purse is stronger and, in some cases, can make a case for shifts in corporate policies. I do not see this as a viable means of change for poorer countries. Additionally, the power of the electorate, in general, is weaker in developing countries (due to instances of corruption, lower educational attainment, and poverty) meaning that civic activism is less likely to make an impact on the way the government operates.

Publicizing the issues and priorities of environmental regimes can be used in developed nations to influence political decision-making. Most developed nations have a democratic system that includes the power to remove leaders from office (by vote or impeachment) if they do not live up to the electorate’s expectations. In turn, political decisions more heavily rely upon the wishes of the electorate in developed countries than in industrializing nations.

Thus, I do not see civic activism in developing countries as a viable method for significant environmental policy reform. The environment could be better served by focusing international pressures on the government a specific developing state to incentivize meaningful change. In the case of developed nations equipped with a large presence on social media, civic activism can function in a positive manner, but ultimately the goal will be political change. 

- Katie