Cited Podcast The Green Wonks: Our Common Future and the Birth of Liberal Environmentalism
Sep 16, 2025
Explore the unlikely partnership between an oil magnate and a socialist that birthed the concept of eco-development, predating modern sustainable practices. Delve into the pivotal 1972 Stockholm Conference, where North-South tensions and influential figures like Morris Strong shaped global environmental policy. Discover the Brundtland Commission's definition of sustainable development, blending present needs with future protection. Despite the rise of neoliberalism in the 90s, learn how sustainable development remains an enduring yet complex principle amid ongoing environmental challenges.
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Prairie Roots Shaped A Bureaucratic Vision
- Jim McNeil grew up as an ecological refugee after the Dust Bowl and carried that experience into his public service career.
- His work on the South Saskatchewan River Dam exemplified his belief that technocratic planning could solve environmental problems.
From Dust Bowl To UN Power Broker
- Morris Strong rose from Depression-era poverty to become a millionaire and UN insider by his twenties.
- He deliberately cultivated wealth and global connections to influence international institutions like the United Nations.
Stockholm Created A Global Consensus Moment
- The 1972 Stockholm conference convened delegates from 113 nations and spotlighted tensions between developed and developing countries.
- Indira Gandhi championed differential responsibilities, helping secure a broadly endorsed declaration on environment and development.
