B. A. 3rd Semester, Unit: II- Environmentalism (Political Science)

B. A. 3rd Semester

Unit: II- Environmentalism 

By

Dr. Farzeen Bano

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1. Environmentalism in Political Science

Environmentalism is a political and social movement aimed at protecting and improving the environment's health. It emphasizes reducing human impact on ecosystems and addresses global issues like pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss.

Relation to Political Science

• Global Cooperation: Environmental challenges such as deforestation, water scarcity, and climate change require international collaboration. Political Science studies these dynamics through frameworks like global governance and treaties.
• Policy Formation: Governments implement laws and regulations addressing environmental concerns (e.g., the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement).
• Environmental Movements: Activism, like the Chipko Movement in India, demonstrates how grassroots efforts influence political agendas.

Key Milestones

• 1972 Stockholm Conference: Marked the beginning of global environmental governance.
• Rio Earth Summit (1992): Focused on sustainable development and introduced "Agenda 21."
• Kyoto Protocol (1997): Addressed reducing greenhouse gas emissions with differentiated responsibilities.

Major Concepts

• Sustainability: Development that meets current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs.
• Global Commons: Natural resources like oceans, atmosphere, and polar regions, shared by all nations.
• Environmental Justice: Fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, particularly addressing inequalities faced by marginalized groups.

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2. Green Politics

Definition and Origin

Green politics is a political ideology that focuses on creating an ecologically sustainable society. It emphasizes environmental conservation, social justice, and participatory democracy. It emerged as a response to growing environmental crises during the mid-20th century, particularly in industrialized nations.

The movement gained prominence in the 1970s, paralleling the rise of global environmental awareness and activism. Key events like the publication of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring (1962) and the establishment of Earth Day (1970) catalyzed green political thought.

Key Principles of Green Politics

1. Ecological Wisdom

• Advocates for the recognition of ecological limits to economic growth and human activity.
• Emphasizes biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.

2. Social Justice

• Calls for equitable distribution of resources and addressing systemic inequalities.
• Focuses on the inclusion of marginalized communities, emphasizing environmental justice.

3. Grassroots Democracy

• Promotes decentralized governance and decision-making.
• Encourages community-led initiatives to address local environmental issues.

4. Nonviolence

•  Seeks peaceful solutions to conflicts, advocating for diplomacy and non-aggression.

5. Sustainability

• Advocates for renewable energy sources, sustainable agriculture, and reduced carbon footprints.
• Supports a transition from fossil fuels to green energy.

Global Impact and Movements

1. Political Parties

• Green parties, such as the German Green Party (Die Grünen), have become influential in advocating for policies like renewable energy investments and anti-nuclear initiatives.
• Similar parties exist in over 80 countries, including the Green Party of the United States.

2. Climate Movements

• Global initiatives like Fridays for Future, Extinction Rebellion, and the Global Climate Strike have mobilized millions to demand systemic change.
• Activists like Greta Thunberg exemplify green political advocacy on the global stage.

3. Policy Influence

• Green politics has influenced major international agreements like the Kyoto Protocol (1997) and the Paris Agreement (2015).
• Advocates for policies such as carbon taxes, green job creation, and banning single-use plastics.

Criticism and Challenges

• Economic Concerns: Critics argue that green policies may hinder economic growth, especially in developing countries.
• Political Opposition: Green parties often face resistance from traditional political ideologies, especially those prioritizing industrial growth.
• Implementation Hurdles: Translating green political ideals into actionable policies remains a challenge, particularly in politically polarized societies.

Significance in Political Science

• Environmentalism and green politics challenge traditional political ideologies by emphasizing sustainability and collective responsibility.
• They foster interdisciplinary approaches, integrating science, economics, and policy-making.

These topics highlight how political systems address environmental concerns while balancing economic growth and social justice.

Green politics has redefined political discourse by emphasizing environmental sustainability as a core political value. It represents a shift from anthropocentric to eco-centric governance, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic systems.

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