Benji Backer, Executive Chairman and Founder of the American Conservation Coalition, is a leading voice in youth environmentalism. He shares his early inspirations in political activism and the bullying that fueled his resilience. Benji candidly discusses experiencing burnout, the decision to step back as CEO, and his commitment to bipartisan environmental solutions. The conversation highlights the importance of building coalitions across political lines and the therapeutic power of nature in his journey toward effective advocacy.
Benji Backer highlights the necessity of bipartisanship in environmental advocacy to foster effective governance and actionable solutions.
His personal journey through bullying and adversity emphasizes the importance of resilience and conviction in advocating for one's beliefs.
Backer advocates for a renewed focus on environmentalism within the Republican Party, aiming to unify diverse political perspectives around shared sustainability goals.
Civic engagement is crucial for a responsive democracy, encouraging individuals to communicate priorities to local representatives to influence policy effectively.
Deep dives
The Importance of Bipartisanship
Bipartisanship is essential for effective governance, especially when addressing pressing issues like climate change. There is a growing reluctance among politicians to acknowledge the validity of opposing viewpoints, resulting in stagnation and inaction. This dynamic hinders progress on critical environmental legislation, as representatives are often unwilling to give the other side credit for successful policies. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration over political wins can lead to more effective solutions that benefit everyone.
Benji Backer's Mission
Benji Backer advocates for a renewed focus on environmental issues within the Republican Party, aiming to make environmentalism a bipartisan concern once again. As the founder of the American Conservation Coalition, he emphasizes that the party once championed significant environmental protections. Benji's efforts revolve around bridging divisions and fostering cooperation across the political spectrum to address climate change collectively. His work exemplifies the belief that environmental issues can transcend party lines and unify people around shared goals.
The Personal Cost of Advocacy
Benji shares the challenges he faced while advocating for the environment as a conservative, including personal attacks and intense scrutiny. At a young age, he experienced bullying and hostility simply for expressing his political beliefs, which shaped his perspective on the importance of standing up for one's convictions. This journey, marked by hardships, has made him more resilient and committed to his mission. His experiences highlight the need for respectful dialogue and understanding in a politically charged climate.
The Need for Solutions-Focused Politics
A solutions-focused approach is critical in today’s political landscape, where rhetoric often overshadows practical outcomes. Benji emphasizes that many individuals reject the reality of climate change due to aversion to proposed solutions, making it crucial to offer alternatives that resonate with diverse perspectives. Finding common ground on shared objectives can help facilitate productive discussions on environmental issues. This mindset could lead to innovative solutions that engage a wider array of stakeholders.
The Role of State Leadership
State governors play a pivotal role in addressing local issues and fostering effective policy. Leaders like Georgia's Brian Kemp and Florida's Ron DeSantis have shown a willingness to engage with environmental concerns while balancing economic interests. Their ability to navigate bipartisan efforts at the state level contrasts sharply with the challenges faced in Congress, where gridlock often prevails. This demonstrates that state governance can be more agile and responsive to constituents’ needs.
Encouraging Civic Engagement
Civic engagement is essential for fostering a healthy democracy, and even minimal outreach to local representatives can create significant impact. Individuals are encouraged to learn about their state legislators and communicate their priorities, which can lead to meaningful discourse and influence policy. Making the effort to voice concerns on local issues empowers citizens and ensures that their needs are represented. This grassroots involvement is vital for building a responsive political system.
The Value of Understanding Opposing Views
Understanding the motivations behind opposing viewpoints is crucial for meaningful dialogue and coalition building. Backer suggests that gaining insight into what drives others' beliefs can pave the way for productive conversations about shared goals. This approach helps break down barriers and fosters collaboration, allowing for diverse ideas to coalesce. Recognizing that people come from different backgrounds and experiences is key to achieving bipartisan support for environmental initiatives.
Building a Nonpartisan Future
The vision for a nonpartisan approach to environmental conservation is at the heart of Benji's mission. He aspires to eliminate the divisiveness associated with environmentalism and return it to a core issue that all Americans can support. By fostering dialogue and understanding, there is potential for increased collaboration on solutions that benefit the environment. This goal remains a driving force in Backer's advocacy, emphasizing that a healthier planet should be a mutual priority.
Benji Backer is the Executive Chairman and Founder of the American Conservation Coalition (ACC), the largest right-of-center environmental organization in the country, and the author of The Conservative Environmentalist: Common Sense Solutions for a Sustainable Future. A proud graduate of the University of Washington, Benji has been awarded the Fortune 40 Under 40, Forbes 30 Under 30, GreenBiz 30 Under 30, and Grist 50. He serves as a board member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences' Climate Change Commission, the Wisconsin Conservative Energy Forum, and BridgeUSA. A frequent contributor to national media outlets, Benji is one of the leading youth environmental voices in the country.
This week, Barrett talks with Benji about his early start in political activism inspired by John McCain, the intense bullying he faced in high school, and his efforts to bridge bipartisan divides in environmental advocacy. Benji shares his experiences with burnout and the difficult decision to step down from his leadership role at the ACC while continuing his mission toward nonpartisan environmental solutions. They discuss the dangers of perceived expertise without real experience, the necessity of adapting policies over time, and the importance of building bipartisan coalitions.
In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(04:17) - Burnout and stepping down as CEO
(12:35) - Reflecting on leadership and personal growth
(29:22) - The importance of bipartisan climate solutions
(33:17) - Benji's brand of conservatism
(40:24) - Bullying and opposition in school
(56:55) - Bridging the political divide and finding solace in nature
