Apocalypse Never. Why Environmental Alarmism Hurts Us All

Climate change is a pressing issue, but it is not our most critical environmental challenge. Michael Shellenberger, a veteran environmental activist, has dedicated decades to promoting a greener planet, from saving unprotected redwoods to co-creating the precursor to the Green New Deal. He successfully advocated for the continued operation of nuclear plants, helping to prevent a surge in emissions. However, in 2019, amidst alarming claims that "billions of people are going to die," he felt compelled to clarify the distinction between science and fiction, especially for the sake of his teenage daughter and the rising anxiety among young people. Despite extensive media coverage, many remain unaware of key facts: carbon emissions have peaked and are declining in most developed nations, extreme weather-related deaths have dropped 90% in the last 40 years, and the likelihood of severe global warming is diminishing due to slowing population growth and abundant natural gas. Alarmists often resist practical solutions, raising questions about the motivations behind apocalyptic environmentalism. These include powerful financial interests, a quest for status, and a spiritual yearning for transcendence. While this impulse can be positive, the current narrative of fear and guilt fails to address our deeper psychological and existential needs.