Green Liberalism

Green liberalism is the marriage between ecologically friendly principles and the political philosophy of liberalism. This is hardly a harmonious union, as the core values of what it means to be “green” or “liberal” often contradict one another. Until recently, green thinkers have pointed to the liberal political tradition as the major culprit in our ecological problems. However, there is a growing opinion, especially within environmentalism, that liberalism can be compatible with green principles.

Liberalism as a political philosophy assumes that humans are born free and equal. It emphasizes the rights and well-being of individuals, making human agency the organizing virtue of any liberal society. Liberalism commitment to neutrality ensures that each individual is free to pursue whatever she or he defines as the “good life.” ...