Make some noise!

Why the BP Spill Hasn't Invigorated Environmentalism

In 1969, an oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, California released a few million gallons of oil into marine ecosystems -- eight months later, it was among the primary catalysts for the biggest pro-environmental movement in the nation's history, starting with the first Earth Day. That 'national teach-in' day in turn lead to some of the strongest and most effective environmental laws and regulations ever created, it yielded the founding of the EPA. Fast forward to 2010, where we're still in the midst of the biggest oil catastrophe in our history, with an incomparable 100-180 million gallons of oil fouling the water. And yet, there's no sense of focused national outrage (discontent is probably a better word), no movement gaining momentum to address the roots of the problem that lead to the BP spill, and the government has shown that it feels no pressure to take significant action on behalf of the environment. What gives? ...
But I wonder. The cynic in me says we're unlikely to see anything near the public outpouring of support for the environment we did 40 years ago, for a few simple reasons. Primarily, the sentiment behind the movement then was new, it was bold, pioneering -- participating in the movement was exhilarating. Knowledge of the extent by which American industry was destroying our natural habitats and resources was just then bubbling to the surface of the public consciousness. Joining the green movement was sort of like Beatlemania -- few had seen, heard, or done anything like that before. And just like we're unlikely to see a pop act command that kind of attention again, I think the same goes for an environmental movement encompassing many of the same ideals.

Also contributing is the fact that corporations were far less prepared to cope with the charges leveled at them -- they had little course of action but to complain how insignificant the environment was in comparison to businesses' contribution to society. Now, every self-respecting oil company channels money into front groups, lobbying campaigns, and PR efforts, not just during a spill, but all the time to keep public opinion in check, and to hedge against such disasters.

Finally, the culture of special interests has grown so pervasive that many Americans feel like it's a hopeless situation in Congress -- there's a sense that it's impossible for the common man to get heard through the thicket of lobbyists and campaign financiers. A perfect example of this is the recently deceased climate legislation -- polls found majorities supported climate and clean energy action time and again, and yet the Senate had no qualms giving it up because it's too touchy a subject for an election year. The gulf has widened between civilians and our elected officials to the point that few expect much from them at all.

One another all-important reason is not mentioned - so many are more interested in Lohan's jail stint, what Snooks is wearing, which party they are going to....That is the real reason. Too hung up on entertainment, more interested in the cult of personality...