Practical Environmentalism

I have long suspected that the only way to accomplish environmental goals was to compromise with business interests rather than fight them. A previous post, Compromise and Win, explored this hypothesis.

Now in an article in the July 29, 2008 edition of USA Today, Environmentalists, businesses reach compromise, there is evidence that some significant progress is being made in that direction. The two sides are working together to create win-win projects.

Governmental inaction is prompting environmental groups and big business to cut unprecedented deals to promote energy exploration and other development in return for major conservation initiatives.

The agreements preserve large amounts of undeveloped land, impose stricter environmental practices than required by law and generate big investments in alternative energy. The deals also clear the way for oil drilling, new power plants and large residential developments.

The article points out that not all environmentalists, nor all business interests, think that compromise is a good thing. But as more deals are being struck which offer real benefits for the environment without shutting down business, I believe that non-belivers will be converted.

Progress comes in small increments and thank goodness we have some trail-blazers willing to try a new approach! The increments will aggregate to the benefit of all.

Lasting change is a series of compromises. And compromise is all right, as long your values don't change. -- Jane Goodall