Design Leader | Championing Sustainable & Regenerative Innovation at frog | Energy Transition & Nature-Based Solutions
📚 Reflections on The Conservative Environmentalist by Benjamin (Benji) Backer I recently finished The Conservative Environmentalist by Benji Backer, founder of the American Conservation Coalition. The book offers a conservative perspective on how to address the climate crisis focusing on free markets and local solutions. A few takeaways: 1. Climate conversations suffer from polarized language and the attribution of ill intent As I read, I was struck by how politicized our language has become. Backer expressed ideas I factually agree with, but the language he used felt threatening. He also framed the problems with some progressive environmental policies—like the lack of transmission lines hindering renewable energy—as as intentional or at least negligent failures of the policy, while the media I usually consume frames these drawbacks as problems to be managed. (Political attribution bias) 2. Regulations can have unintended consequences Backer’s discussion of how well-intentioned regulations can backfire was eye opening. I had never heard of the “Shoot, Shovel, & Shut Up” phenomenon: landowners, frustrated with restrictions tied to endangered species, kill those species before they are discovered on their land to avoid burdensome regulation. This example helped me understand how regulation can create perverse incentives, especially for people who already distrust government intervention. 3. Local input can avoid unintended outcomes and tailor solutions The belief that local solutions to reducing emissions and increasing climate resilience are more effective and easier to implement than top down or one-size-fits-all solutions has been a theme in what I have been reading lately. Backer emphasizes this, especially with regard to rural communities. 4. What role can we trust fossil fuel companies play in the energy transition? Backer argues that fossil fuels—and fossil fuel companies—must play a role in for a successful energy transition. In particular, he states that American oil is cleaner than foreign, so increased American production (if it prevents consuming dirty foreign oil) is a good thing. He does not address the question of how fossil fuel companies can be trusted as partners after decades of deception about their climate impacts. I'd also be curious about his position on fossil fuel subsidies. This is definitely worth a read, especially if this is a perspective not typically expressed in your media bubble. I appreciate Backer's work to depolarize environmental action and wonder if he and others like him might have a particular important role to play in maintaining climate progress in the US over the next four years. What books have challenged your thinking recently? I'd love your recommendations! #DIYclimateEducation
Innovation | Strategy | Talent | Board Member | Startup Advisor | CPO | Design Thinking | Org Design | Keynote Speaker, Coach, Facilitator | F500 Management Consultant | ex-Microsoft, ex-frog
1moApocalypse Never by Michael Shellenberger might be a good next read for you. Hi Samara Watkiss ! :)