Environmental Problems In Ecological Modernization

In today’s society, much of the resistance for finding ecological solutions comes from those who would be required to drastically change their policies and business models. “In general, an environmental problem proves politically less difficult to resolve if a marketable solution exists,” says Janicke. “In contrast,” he says, “if a solution to an environmental problem requires an intervention in the established patterns of production, consumption, or transport, it is likely to meet resistance.” Furthermore, Ecological Modernization states that ecological innovations must meet the following three qualifications to succeed: First, the solution they propose needs to be to a problem that affects the global level. Second, it needs to promote global industrial growth, which will heighten the demand for further environmental innovations. Third, the solution needs political and/or societal support, and preferably both. When a solution meets these three criteria, it can be successfully marketed.Land art constructed an experience; works of land art had to be traversed to be truly appreciated. For example, the piece Broken Circle Spiral Hill [see Figure 2.4] by Robert Smithson was built to follow a certain path connecting the Hill to the Circle. From the top of the Hill one could take the path in which to view the Circle and vice versa, exploring the picturesque quality of the time of the viewer. The piece appears completely different depending on the season in which it is viewed. Finally, looking at the erosion of the Spiral Hill, one is aware of the entropic geologic time. As Smithson said, “The gardens of history are being replaced by the sites of time.”

FIGURE 2.4. STILL FROM BREAKING GROUND: BROKEN CIRCLE/SPIRAL HILL

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...t would alter industrial society beyond recognition.” In other words, without the support of cultural movements, actual production of mass ecological innovation came to a halt. Amidst the waning of cultural influences, ‘Ecological Modernization’ emerged. Ecological Modernization is a way of thinking that finds technology and innovation integrated into environmental policies, similar to ‘eco-efficient innovation’ that uses environment-friendly technologies to enhance productivity of a product.

Two of the main forces that drive Ecological Modernization are: “The role of ‘smart’ government regulation [and the] growing business risks for polluters in the context of multi-level environmental governance.” These two forces can be simplified to the fact that in order for change to happen on such a large scale, the supportive government legislature must be involved.