Ecological Modernization and Its Critics: Assessing the Past and Looking Toward the Future

Abstract

The theory of ecological modernization has received growing attention over the past decade, but in the process, it has been interpreted in con icting and sometimes contradictory ways. In this article, we attempt to bring greater clarity to the discussion. Reviewing the works both by the theory's best-known proponents and by its most outspoken critics, we note that dif culties are created not just by the combining of theoretical predictions and policy prescriptions-a point that has already been noted in the literature-but also by the stark and highly signi cant differences in expectations between ecological modernization and most prevailing theories of society-environment relationships. Perhaps in part because of these differences, disagreements have often been expressed in stark, black-and-white terms. If the problems are to be resolved, there will be a need for greater theoretical precision, developed in conjunction with empirical research that is more focused, more nely differentiated, and more rigorous.Roughly 10 years ago, Society and Natural Resources published the rst article on the theory of ecological modernization in the English language (Spaargaren and Mol 1992). Since then, the arguments of ecological modernization have received growing attention, both within the subdiscipline of environmental sociology and in broader debates over major social theories (see, e.g.

Ecological Development and Global Climate Change: A Cross-National Study of Kyoto Protocol Ratification

“…Research shows that countries vary considerably in the degree to which ecologically modernized institutions are present (Spaargaren and Mol 1992;Sonnenfeld and Mol 2002a). Some scholars suggest that EMT is applicable only for developed countries (Fisher and Freudenburg 2001). Such scholars maintain that countries must transition through stages of economic development-a process Huber (1982, 20) metaphorically defines as the ''ugly caterpillar that transforms itself into a beautiful butterfly.''…”

“…The logic of EMT is similar to the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) in economics, but places greater emphasis on noneconomic factors for the gradual decline in rates of pollution. Decline occurs because as countries develop they achieve increased energy efficiency, apply stringent and costly pollution controls, educate their publics in science and environmental values, and manifest politically influential environmental movements that emerge in response to environmental deterioration 2 (Roberts and Grimes 1997;Fisher and Freudenburg 2001). These changes in economy, politics, and culture enable a country to assimilate ''environmental signals from world society'' on effective environmental reforms (Frank et al 2000, 105).…”

Rural and environmental concern - focus on the Czech Republic

“…Although the theory of ecological modernisation presents a complex understanding of post-industrial society (Fisher and Freudenburg 2001), the lynchpin of the argument involves technological innovation. one of the key characteristics of the theory is that industrial development offers the best option for escape from the ecological crises of the developed world.…”

Sustainable development

“…Research is particularly focused on eco-innovations, and the interplay of various societal factors (scientific, economic, institutional, legal, political, cultural) which foster or hamper such innovations (Klemmer et al, 1999;Olsthoorn and Wieczorek, 2006): product and process innovations such as environmental management and sustainable supply chain management, clean technologies, benign substitution of hazardous substances and product design for environment. The approach assumes 'sustainable development' growth -but failing to problematize that such growth, as currently envisioned, entails the consumption of natural and human capital at substantial cost to ecosystems and society (Fisher and Freudenburg, 2001). …”