All the books that I have seen about the science and the economics of global warming, including the two books under review, miss the main point. The main point is religious rather than scientific. There is a worldwide secular religion which we may call environmentalism, holding that we are stewards of the earth, that despoiling the planet with waste products of our luxurious living is a sin, and that the path of righteousness is to live as frugally as possible. [...] Environmentalism has replaced socialism as the leading secular religion.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author argues that environmentalism acts as a secular religion focused on stewardship and moral righteousness rather than just science or economics. This movement has replaced socialism as a dominant moral framework.
- In plain terms
- Environmentalism is described as a new religion based on moral duty to the planet.
- What can you take from it?
- Environmentalism functions like a secular religion with moral and religious undertones.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is environmentalism a religion?
- What values drive modern environmentalism?
Another view
Comparing environmentalism to religion may oversimplify its scientific and political goals.
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