The Rebirth of Environmentalism
Grassroots Activism from the Spotted Owl to the Polar Bear
304 pages
6 x 9
3 illustrations
Book Description
Over the past two decades, a select group of small but highly effective grassroots organizations have achieved remarkable success in protecting endangered species and forests in the United States. The Rebirth of Environmentalism tells for the first time the story of these grassroots biodiversity groups.
Author Douglas Bevington offers engaging case studies of three of the most influential biodiversity protection campaigns—the Headwaters Forest campaign, the “zero cut” campaign on national forests, and the endangered species litigation campaign exemplified by the Center for Biological Diversity—providing the reader with an in-depth understanding of the experience of being involved in grassroots activism.
Based on first-person interviews with key activists in these campaigns, the author explores the role of tactics, strategy, funding, organization, movement culture, and political conditions in shaping the influence of the groups. He also examines the challenging relationship between radicals and moderate groups within the environmental movement, and addresses how grassroots organizations were able to overcome constraints that had limited the advocacy of other environmental organizations.
Filled with inspiring stories of activists, groups, and campaigns that most readers will not have encountered before, The Rebirth of Environmentalism explores how grassroots biodiversity groups have had such a big impact despite their scant resources, and presents valuable lessons that can help the environmental movement as a whole—as well as other social movements—become more effective.
Review Quotes
"This is an important and timely examination of the environmental movement, past and present. The politics of protecting America's wild places can be slow and infuriating, but Bevington does a first-rate job of showing how the struggle pays off, and why the stakes are so high."
Carl Hiaasen, author of "Nature Girl"
"The environmental movement is an ecosystem of its own, and Douglas Bevington does a fine job examining the understory that flourishes in the shade of the big green groups. This will be a useful text for those trying to figure out how to build the global warming movement in the years ahead."
Bill McKibben, author of "The End of Nature"
"In The Rebirth of Environmentalism, Douglas Bevington tells how radical and resource-poor biodiversity activists came to be at the center of environmental policy change. Deeply researched and persuasively argued, this book invites social movement scholars to rethink ideas not only about the relations between movement radicals and moderates but also about the tactical ingredients of movement success."
Francesca Polletta, Professor, University of California, Irvine
"With a sociologist's keen eye, Douglas Bevington gives us a close-up account of the 'alternative environmental movement' that emerged in the 1990s. His cogent analysis offers a robust counterpoint to name-brand environmentalism and to critics who declared the movement dead. Essential reading for serious students of conservation—and anyone interested in the future of Planet Earth."
Deborah A. Sivas, Professor of law and director of the Environmental Law Clinic, Stanford Law
"Mr. Bevington, a sociologist, has put together a very useful profile of many small groups. They are thriving and making a difference."
InBrief
Contents
Preface and Acknowledgements
Chapter 1. The Rise of Grassroots Biodiversity Activism and the Rebirth of Environmentalism
Chapter 2. Origins of the Grassroots Biodiversity Groups
Chapter 3. Never Mind the Nationals: The Headwaters Forest Campaign
Chapter 4. Transforming a National: The John Muir Sierrans and the Zero-Cut Campaign
Chapter 5. Becoming a National: The Center for Biological Diversity and Endangered Species Litigation
Chapter 6. Boldness Has Genius: The Lessons of Grassroots Biodiversity Activism for the Campaign against Global Warming
Afterword: Arrival of the Obama Administration
Appendix: Origins of Four Biodiversity Protection Laws
Chapter Notes
Glossary of Acronyms
Bibliography
Index
Blogs
4 Reads on Driving Environmental Change
4 Reads on Driving Environmental Change
Hundreds of thousands of people around the world raised their voices this week to demand action on climate change. The demonstrations, which happened as global leaders met for the UN General Assembly, showcased the growth and strength of the movement. It is still to be seen if governments and corporations will take timely action, but it is clear that activists and communities will continue mobilizing and demanding for change.
The following four excerpts highlight leaders, organizations, and strategies from environmental movements in the past. From Gro Harlem Brundtland, the Godmother of Sustainable Development, to labor and environmental activist Chico Mendes, these activists offer lessons and inspiration for anybody who cares about our planet.
Nature’s Allies
It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of big environmental challenges—but we need inspiration now more than ever. In Nature’s Allies, Larry Nielsen presents the inspiring stories of eight conservation pioneers, John Muir, Ding Darling, Aldo Leopold, Rachel Carson, Chico Mendes, Billy Frank Jr., Wangari Maathai, and Gro Harlem Brundtland. They show that through passion and perseverance we can each make a difference, even in the face of political opposition.
Excerpt: Gro Harlem Brundtland, Godmother of Sustainable Development
The Rebirth of Environmentalism
Over the past two decades, a select group of small but highly effective grassroots organizations have achieved remarkable success in protecting endangered species and forests in the United States. The Rebirth of Environmentalism tells for the first time the story of these grassroots biodiversity groups.
Excerpt: Boldness Has Genius: The Lessons of Grassroots Biodiversity Activism for the Campaign Against Global Warming
Ignition
For anyone who feels compelled to do more than change their light bulbs or occasionally carpool, Ignition is an essential guide. Combining incisive essays with success stories and web resources, the book helps readers answer the most important question we all face: “What can I do?”
Excerpt: Let's Cause Trouble, Good Trouble, Necessary Trouble
The Burning Season
Author Andrew Revkin artfully interweaves the moving story of Chico Mendes's struggle with the broader natural and human history of the world's largest tropical rain forest. "It became clear," writes Revkin, acclaimed science reporter for The New York Times, "that the murder was a microcosm of the larger crime: the unbridled destruction of the last great reservoir of biological diversity on Earth." In his life and untimely death, Mendes forever altered the course of development in the Amazon, and he has since become a model for environmental campaigners everywhere.
Excerpt: The Burning Season
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