Millennials Are Killing Capitalism cover image

Millennials Are Killing Capitalism

Against Climate Doomism and the Bourgeois Character of American Environmentalism with Jason W. Moore

Nov 8, 2024
In this discussion, Jason W. Moore, an environmental historian from Binghamton University, dives into the elite-driven roots of American environmentalism, tracing it back to the post-Civil War era. He critiques mainstream movements for serving capitalist interests and highlights the impact of the professional-managerial class on climate discourse. Moore challenges climate doomism and explores how organizations like the Ford Foundation have co-opted radical efforts, emphasizing the need to recognize systemic inequalities within the environmental narrative.
01:07:58

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Contemporary environmentalism's elite-driven origins often prioritize capitalist interests, neglecting broader systemic change and climate justice.
  • Mainstream environmental movements have historically reinforced power structures, sidelining marginalized voices while promoting a benign reformist agenda.

Deep dives

Historical Roots of Environmentalism

The origins of contemporary environmentalism can be traced back to the post-Civil War era in the United States, characterized by its elite-driven agenda that often aligned with capitalist interests. Environmentalism emerged as a response to the increasing demands of a growing population and the exploitation of resources, demanding systematic management for economic progress. This form of environmentalism is noted for prioritizing the preservation of economically non-productive areas, like Yellowstone Park, which were not central to capitalist interests at the time. As a result, the movement has largely served as a tool for capitalism, suppressing more radical initiatives in favor of benign reformism that aligned with the status quo rather than directly challenging economic injustices.

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