Green anarchism' is an outgrowth of the environmentalist movement which combines environmentalism with anarchism. Its inheriting many ideas from both of these movements. Typical positions inherited from the environmentalism include concern about pollution and general ecological balance as well as interest in animal rights. Some beliefs originating from anarchism include interest in decentralization and social equality as well as a deep commitment to the preservation of personal freedom, though this is tempered by a higher interest in ecological balance.
Stated simply, green anarchism refers to an anarchism which includes the environment and often animal rights as elements which humans should not be placed above, avoiding hierarchy even beyond human society.
Due to its anarchist roots, this movement generally rejects progress through current political lines, though it shares many opinions with Green parties. More often, green anarchists advance their agenda by means of direct action.
Green anarchists often believe that the bigotry, social injustices, and exploitation of today are a direct result of the sort of culture we have, both politically and environmentally. Further, they are often critical of all technological and social advancement and organization, preferring instead to live simplier and more basic lives. These forms of green anarchy are usually more accurately described as either anarcho-primitivism and eco-anarchism.
Anarcho-primitivism (or simply primitivism) is more focused on the rejection of industrialisation, technology, and division of labor or specialization. Green anarchists instead can embrace environmentally friendly technologies and do not necessarily condemn any advanced means of organization or production.
Eco-anarchism is centered around eco-villages, communities of a few hundred or less individuals which are self-sustaining. Green anarchy makes no such requirements, but it is not necessarily exclusive of them either.
Anarcho-primitivism and eco-anarchism may be seen as more specific forms of green anarchy, considering that it is not exclusive of their beliefs. However, green anarchy tends to be more distinctly focused on relatively less radical changes to the fundamental physical structure of society. Thus the term green anarchy should only be used when the ultimate organization of an "environmental anarchism" is either not in question or unrestrictive.
Many proponents of Bioregionalism share the values of Green Anarchism. The essays of poet Gary Snyder express both a bioregional and an anarchist sensibility — "Buddhist Anarchism" (1961), "Four Changes" (1969) The Practice of the Wild (1990) and A Place in Space (1995). Writer Jim Dodge maintains that anarchy — "political decentralization, self-determination, and a commitment to social equity" — is one of the three central elements of bioregionalism ("Living by Life: Some Bioregional Theory and Practice", The Coevolution Quarterly, Winter 1981).
In the United Kingdom, various periodicals supporting this ideology have existed, including Green Anarchist.
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See also: green economics, green parties, eco-anarchism, terrist, Green Anarchy
Last updated: 10-15-2005 21:28:21
