What is ecological modernization? Describe the main tenets of ecological modernization and give an example to support your answer. Then discuss two important criticisms of ecological modernization.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The theory of ecological modernization (EM) suggests that we can find solutions to our environmental problems by altering our current economic system to encourage good environmental behaviors. Competition, management, and taxes can reduce our inclination to use the environment for free. The production of green technology will follow, as efficiency and better use of resources become a driving force in research and development. Rather than rejecting modernization, as some environmental sociologists do, we should solve problems by modernizing further (Mol & Spaargaren, 2000). We can keep our standard of living and engage in the same types of activities with a much smaller environmental impact.
Perhaps the greatest benefit of the EM approach is that it does not ask for big changes to people's lifestyles or challenge the cultural practices people enjoy. There is no radical economic restructuring. The changes are subtle and organic and can occur without any real notice or discomfort. The government can offer incentives for green changes too. The "cash for clunkers," or Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), is an EM-style program introduced in 2009 in the United States to subsidize the purchase of a high-efficiency vehicle when the buyer traded in an old, low-efficiency vehicle. Fuel is expensive and people are willing to pay more for a clean environmental conscience, so high-efficiency technology is being developed and refined, and cars that utilize it are increasingly accessible and affordable.
Discussion of criticism may vary, but could include the following: Some challenges invoke the idea of social inequality. Many countries now switching to green technology have undergone industrialization processes that were far from environmentally friendly, such as Western Europe, the United States, and Australia. If other countries undertake similar economic development, the environmental impacts will be significant and potentially disastrous. Yet the economic disadvantages in these countries, and their need for economic growth and infrastructure development, make expensive new green technologies hard to access. Critics question whether ecological modernization theory is appropriate outside industrialized nations, where the need for environmentally sound economic development is greatest.
Other critics argue that current levels of consumption are unsustainable, even if we switch to green technologies. More efficient cars still aren't carbon neutral. An increase in green consumerism may not actually reduce environmental impacts. For example, rather than foregoing disposable food containers, we may use them more if they are compostable, recyclable, or made from organic materials. Critics are particularly skeptical of green technologies given capitalist societies' need to continue growing.