SOC433H5 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Environmental Skepticism, Think Tank, Conservatism In The United States
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Jacques, Peter J., Riley E. Dunlap, and Mark Freeman. 2008. "The Organisation of Denial:
Conservative Think Tanks and Environmental Scepticism
Abstract
• Environmental skepticism denies the seriousness of environmental pro- blems, and self-professed
‘sceptics’ claim to be unbiased analysts combating ‘junk science’.
• 92 per cent of these books, most published in the US since 1992, are linked to conservative think
tanks (CTTs)
• 90% of CTT’s advocate environmental skepticism
• skepticism is a tactic of an elite-driven counter-movement designed to combat environmental-
ism, and that the successful use of this tactic has contributed to the weakening of US commitment
to environmental protection.
Introduction
• After a burst of legislation in the 1960s and 1970s, US environmental protective policy efforts
have been in decline
• US resistance to environmental protection is a serious concern for transatlantic relations
• US commitments to domestic and international environmental protection have declined at the
same time environmental organizations have prospered, indicating the limited utility of the
pluralist explanation.
• The decline of US environmental leadership undoubtedly has several sources, such as the inverse
relationship between the US interest in fostering the globalization of free markets and its
commitment to environmental protection
• Conservative think tanks (hereafter CTTs) – the key organisational component of the
conservative movement – and their backers launched a full-scale counter-movement in response
to the perceived success of the environmental movement and its supporters
• this counter-movement has been central to the reversal of US support for environmental
protection, both domestically and internationally.
• Its major tactic has been disputing the seriousness of environmental problems and undermining
environmental science by promoting what we term ‘environmental skepticism’.
• We will argue that environmental sceptics are not, as they portray themselves, independent and
objective analysts.
• Rather, they are predominately agents of CTTs, and their success in promoting skepticism about
environmental problems stems from their affiliation with these politically powerful institutions.
The conservative counter movement
• American conservatism has been both a general social movement and the source of several
counter-movements aimed at combating various progressive causes
o Eg. Civil rights, women’s rights, anti- war etc.
• Focus on free markets, anti- communism, and social conservatism’.
• the US conservative movement has been a generalized source of opposition to a range of
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Document Summary
Jacques, peter j. , riley e. dunlap, and mark freeman. Abstract: environmental skepticism denies the seriousness of environmental pro- blems, and self-professed. The conservative counter movement: american conservatism has been both a general social movement and the source of several counter-movements aimed at combating various progressive causes, eg. Civil rights, women"s rights, anti- war etc: focus on free markets, anti- communism, and social conservatism". the us conservative movement has been a generalized source of opposition to a range of. 1980s provoked a significant backlash from the general public and environmental organizations: several analysts have noted that counter-movements tend to adopt similar tactics to those of the movements they are opposing. Conservative think tanks and environmental skepticism: ctts are non-profit, public policy research and advocacy organizations that promote core conservative ideals such as free enterprise", private property rights", limited government" and. In the process they have become a vital component of the republican party"s success since the.
