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Wise use vs environmentalism (according to Ron Arnold's 'wise use'* rhetoric)
Wise use (explained) | environmentalist |
Humans, like all organisms, must use natural resources to survive. | All things are connected. |
The earth and its life are tough and resilient, not fragile and delicate. | Earthly goods are limited. |
We only learn about the world through trial and error. | Nature’s way is best. |
Our limitless imaginations can break through natural limits to make earthly goods and carrying capacity virtually infinite | The survival of humankind depends on natural diversity. |
Man’s reworking of the earth is revolutionary, problematic and ultimately benevolent. | Environmentalism is radical |
*Ron Arnold embodied a movement in the late 20th century to twist Gifford Pinchot’s ‘wise use’ conservation ethic into a license to celebrate resource extraction as environmentally-conscious.