Hard Green: Saving the Environment from the Environmentalists – A Conservation Manifesto
Author(s): Peter Huber (Author)
Publisher: Basic Books
Publication Date: 9 Dec. 1999
Language: English
Print length: 256 pages
ISBN-10: 0465031129
ISBN-13: 9780465031122
Book Description
A strongly-argued critique of environmentalism from the right – the conservatives answer to Al Gores Earth in the Balance . . Libertarian activist Peter Huber argues that liberal or Soft Green environmental policies do exactly the opposite of what they intend, and lays out the conservative or Hard Green approach to the problem. While both groups share the larger objectives, the Hard Greens disagree with and reject most of what the Softs diagnose as the source of despoliation and environmental decay, and accordingly reject most of the solutions that Softs prescribe. Chapter by chapter, Hard Green takes on the big issues of environmental discourse from scarcity and pollution to efficiency and waste disposal. Designed to radically change the terms of environmental debate, Hard Green will be a manifesto for every conservative who cares about the environment. This book sets out the case for Hard Green, a conservative environmental agenda. Modern environmentalism, Peter Huber argues, destroys the environment. Captured as it has been by the Soft Green oligarchy of scientists, regulators, and lawyers, modern environmentalism does not conserve forests, oceans, lakes, and streams – it hastens their destruction. For all its scientific pretension, Soft Green is not green at all. Its effects are the opposites of green. This book lays out the alternative: a return to Yellowstone and the National Forests, the original environmentalism of Theodore Roosevelt and the conservation movement. Chapter by chapter, Hard Green takes on the big issues of environmental discourse from scarcity and pollution to efficiency and waste disposal. This is the Hard Green manifesto: Rediscover T. R. Reaffirm the conservationist ethic. Expose the Soft Green fallacy. Reverse the Soft Green agenda. Save the environment from the environmentalists.
Editorial Reviews
Amazon Review
Hard Green, by conservative engineer/attorney Peter Huber, pulls off a neat trick: redefining the terms of discussion to win by default. Environmentalists will be surprised to learn that “green” rightfully refers only to conservation of wilderness lands–certainly a noble cause, and just about the only green issue likely to fire up traditional conservatives.
Well worth reading by those of all political perspectives, Huber’s writing is as clear and thorough as you’d expect from someone with his training. His assertions that shortages of fuel, food, and space for waste will be solved by ingenuity seem dazzlingly hopeful, but ultimately his arguments come down to faith. Much stronger are his discussions of privatising pollution and wilderness protection, which should open eyes across the board. Moreover, his analysis of recycling programmes and their ilk gives a much needed kick in the pants to complacent types who think their garbage-sorting is helping anything but their consciences. While it’s unlikely to change the political Green movement, much less supplant it, Hard Green will certainly encourage thinking among the thoughtful–and that might be all we need. —Rob Lightner
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