Modernity as an Unfinished Ecological Project

Abstract

Given the identification of continuing environmental degradation and socially created environmental problems at increasingly higher levels, the logical question is to ask how these can best be tackled. In this chapter three broadly based frameworks are outlined, all claiming to be effective in addressing environmental problems. These are discussed under the general headings of Green consumerism, sustainable development and ecological modernisation. Though each is internally divided and there are clearly differences between them, the argument here is that a case can be made for seeing all three as sharing a common assumption. This is simply the belief that the basic pattern of modern industrial and technological development can continue, albeit in less ecologically destructive forms. This means that social and institutional reform will be enough rather than the need for the wholesale transformation of modern societies. All three perspectives are rooted in the peculiarly modern mentality, which insists that social and environmental problems of all kinds can be solved without sacrificing Western standards of material prosperity and quality of life. The basic questions posed in the chapter therefore are, can there be a Green consumerism under capitalism, is continued economic development ecologically sustainable and can there ever be an ecological form of modernisation?