Labelling Environmentalists
The Canadian Natural Resources minister has a word for them – “radicals.” Minister Joe Oliver claims radical groups are trying to sabotage Canada’s economy and block trade by opposing the mining of Alberta’s tar or oil sands.
Speaking in early January, the minister in charge of Canada’s massive natural resource base spoke out against environmentalists trying to block a pipeline that would traverse the country from tar sands mining area to the Pacific Ocean coast to deliver oil shipments to Asia. The argument that has gained some traction is that mining the tar sands pumps money into the economy and creates jobs. Radicals, the Canadian government claims, are trying to undermine the Canadian dream.
At least he did not use the word “terrorists.” Environmentalists involved in direct action and civil disobedience in their efforts to block projects that lead to environmental degradation are quite often referred to as terrorists. The Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States even puts the “danger” from some environmentalists above any so-called Islamic terrorist threat. In their book, people trying to protect their country and environment from damaging exploitation are as bad as the late Osama bin Laden.
This is a sorry state of affairs. And it is unfortunate that the media and the public are often wooed by the mantra that economic growth should take precedence over protection of the land, sea, air and living organisms. This is very short-sighted.
Whatever they are called – radicals, extremists, treehuggers or terrorists – environmentalists willing to confront governments and companies over their damaging policies need to be recognized as heroes for stepping into the ring.
Nine times out of 10, these are ordinary people doing extraordinary things because they know in their hearts that our planet is being desecrated and that more sustainable ways can be found to live. Many of these people’s efforts are unsung – except, possibly, when they get arrested and grab fleeting media attention.
But the number of people coming out to say enough is enough is growing.
And what was once the actions on the fringe are now slowly becoming mainstream.
“First they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they fight you. Then you win.”
Mahatma Gandhi
