A GREATER focus on grass roots movements could win back a public that has become suspicious of environmental issues, according to University of York researchers.
In a new book, they argue that “green localism” can convince people to embrace action to secure environmental change in an age of fiscal austerity, lack of resources and climate change.
Environmentalism Since 1945, by Dr Gary Haq and Alistair Paul, of the University’s Stockholm Environment Institute, charts how green issues have influenced politics, economy, science and culture in the post-war period.
Dr Haq said: “Today, green issues influence the language and decisions of government, corporations and individuals to an extent that was not possible or imaginable a century ago. “Politicians promise to protect the environment, companies market their products as environmentally friendly, celebrities promote environmental causes and individuals aspire to green lifestyles.”
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