The Case for Environmental Incrementalism

We’re used to hearing all-or-nothing environmental arguments. “If we don’t act now, our children won’t have a planet to call home!” Arguments like these are used to push for legislative packages like the Green New Deal and other massive pieces of legislation. 

Is it true? If we want to fight climate change and protect our planet for generations to come, is it all or nothing? No. Instead of aiming for the moon with unrealistic, albeit well-intentioned, legislative goals, we should embrace environmental incrementalism. 

Incrementalism is the belief that you can change things step by step instead of all at once. A quick Google search of ‘environmental incrementalism’ will show you that many activists and organizations are not fans of this idea. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development are just two of the well-known institutions that have scoffed at the idea in past years. 

But is it more effective to push for massive changes while doing little to nothing in the short term or to move us steadily toward sustainability goals? The story of the tortoise versus the hare rings true in this discussion. Action is more effective than inaction. Small steps forward still equal progress.

The clean energy transition is a great example. There is still a rowdy debate among policymakers over energy resources. Some favor coal and oil, others favor solar and wind. Some love nuclear power and some think it’s a horrible idea. 

While policymakers debate in Congress and state legislatures around the country, there are still ways to move the ball forward on clean energy development. Local governments can approve wind and solar projects in their area. We can increase nuclear capacity at already existing sites (or turn inactive sites back on, as in the case of the Three Mile Island nuclear site). Green investing can incentivize energy innovation that makes clean power sources more affordable and efficient. 

To be sure, sound policy is needed, and regulation is an essential tool. But even in cases where laws need to be passed, garnering support for smaller, targeted bills to address specific issues will be more straightforward and practical than waiting around for massive legislative deals. You will find more support for a targeted water quality bill than for the Green New Deal. 

Everyone can agree that our beautiful planet deserves to be protected. Small unified steps forward on decarbonization, the clean energy transition, and other issues will help us reach environmental targets faster.