Environmentalist political withdrawal? n There are a number of reasons why environmentalists may wish to refrain from electoral politics. n Ideas outlined from published work of Timothy Doyle and Doug McEachern (Environment and Politics, Routledge, 1998, p. 109)

n Electoral participation does not challenge the existing bureaucratic and profit- oriented system. Rather, it reaffirms this. n A focus on elections and sympathetic politicians does not establish an environmental movement outside of the legislature. After the election, the environmental component can collapse.

n The sense of personal responsibility is given away to elected elites n Politicians always compromise policies in legislative assemblies. Principles are abandoned to ensure political survival. Business lobbyists threaten a collapse of business confidence due to “anti-capitalist” pro- environmental policies.

n Elections tend to polarize politics. The party not endorsed by the environmentalists becomes hostile to legislative approach after the election. n Election campaigning centralizes power in the hands of a few charismatic campaigners. This, plus the drive to maintain party unity reduces meaningful participation and weakens the movement.

n Other environmental strategies that do not depend on elections tend to be neglected when environmentalists devote significant resources to supporting pro-environment candidates. n GREEN PARTIES are one alternative. Environmentalists can support candidates for green parties while still enhancing the environmental movement.