Finland's Green Party has shifted its position and embraced nuclear energy, reflecting a pragmatic and pro-technology approach in addressing environmental concerns.
Eco-modernism advocates for the coexistence of technological advancements, scientific progress, and environmental sustainability as a means to raise global well-being.
Addressing consumption patterns and promoting responsible resource management are crucial in addressing environmental issues, rather than solely focusing on reducing population size.
Deep dives
The Shift towards Nuclear Power in Finland's Green Party
The podcast discusses how Finland's Green Party, known for its anti-nuclear stance, has shifted its position and become an advocate of nuclear power. This change has occurred across the environmental movement in Finland, including Greenpeace and young climate activists. The shift reflects a broader move towards a more pragmatic and pro-technology approach in addressing environmental concerns. The podcast highlights the importance of looking for alternative solutions to environmental challenges instead of reverting to traditional methods. It also emphasizes the need for clean energy production and sustainable agriculture practices.
The Eco-Modernist Perspective
The podcast features Tia Tormonen and Marco Fisher, who discuss their involvement in the eco-modernist movement. Eco-modernists believe in the coexistence of technological advancements, scientific progress, and environmental sustainability. They advocate for the use of science and technology to raise global well-being without harming the environment. Tia and Marco share their experiences and views on eco-modernism's positive impact on energy and agriculture. They also discuss their current project, Replanet, which aims to build an environmental network and alliance of organizations focused on sustainability and human well-being.
Challenging the De-Growth Philosophy
The podcast examines the de-growth philosophy and its influence on environmental discussions. Tia and Marco express their disagreement with de-growth, viewing it as an elitist and non-consequential approach to addressing environmental issues. They argue that focusing on de-growth as a universal solution overlooks the complexities of modern society and the need for cleaner energy production and improved agriculture practices. They suggest that technological advancements and supportive policies can lead to a future where people can enjoy a high standard of living while also preserving nature and reducing environmental impacts.
Rethinking Population Growth
The podcast explores the topic of population growth and its role in environmental discussions. Tia and Marco challenge the notion that population growth is the primary driver of environmental problems. They emphasize the importance of addressing consumption patterns and promoting responsible resource management rather than focusing solely on reducing population size. The discussion also touches on the cultural and racial dynamics associated with population-related debates. The guests highlight the need for education, access to birth control, and poverty eradication as more effective ways to address population-related issues.
Population growth and the potential for creativity
The podcast explores the idea that as the global population declines, there is the potential for more people to use their minds in creative ways. The speaker argues that currently, many individuals are focused on survival, working tirelessly just to get by. However, with a decline in population, more individuals can redirect their energy towards more innovative and creative endeavors. The speaker highlights the importance of viewing humans as fundamentally good and capable of contributing positively to society.
Power dynamics and the future of environmentalism
The podcast discusses the power imbalances between the global north and the global south in decision-making regarding environmental policies. The speaker suggests that the dominant power of the global north often dictates the trajectory of climate discussions and actions. They question whether a harmonious and equitable distribution of growth can be achieved, given the power dynamics at play. Furthermore, they speculate on the future of environmentalism, suggesting that different regions may develop their own ideologies and approaches to environmental issues. They emphasize the need for citizens in the global north to demand changes and to ensure the participation and voice of the global south in decision-making processes.
Tea Törmänen and Marco Visscher join Ash Milton to discuss their recent article on how Finland's Greens chose nuclear energy and the differences between degrowth and ecomodernism.
Recently, the Finnish Green Party has been leading the way among green movements in embracing nuclear energy. Tea and Marco tell us why that came to be and how it could be the future for the rest of Europe. The trio also discuss how human demography has and will shape energy consumption, and the question of degrowth-oriented environmental solutions that seem to prioritize "punishing" humanity more than redeeming it.
Tea Törmänen is a Finland-based biologist and member of Finland’s Green Party. She is the International Coordinator of RePlanet.
Marco Visscher is a Netherlands-based journalist and author of Waarom we niet bang hoeven te zijn voor kernenergie (Why We Need Not Fear Nuclear Energy).
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