Earth First!

Abstract

Earth First! are direct action exemplars. They believe that it is only through their direct and resolute challenge to activities that degrade nature that they can effectively exercise their commitment to protect it. Earth First!’s name, and its consciously positioned exclamation mark, clearly identifies its objective: a steadfast and passionate defence of the earth. A member of the radical ecology movement, Earth First! draws directly from the deep ecology paradigm, has a strong wilderness focus and a decidedly anarchist temperament. While it does not necessarily specifically identify itself as anarchist, it incorporates strong anarchist impulses and its affiliates include many self-described anarchists. Claiming that it has no members as such, Earth First! characterizes itself more as a ‘priority’ than an organization, and its structure is essentially acephalous and affinity group based. It distinguishes itself from mainstream environmental organizations that it claims have been coopted by both the state and the corporate sector. Rather than continually negotiating, Earth First! responds directly and immediately when nature is threatened. Mistrustful of both (mainstream) environmental organizations and the organs of the state, Earth First! actions aim squarely at the corporate perpetrators of ecological damage.