Foreign Policy Blogs

The clash of the environmentalists

The New York Times published an article highlighting the schism in the environmental movement between those who choose to fight development of alternative energy programs which may cause some environmental harm and others willing to cede some ground for progress in broader environmental goals. For example, strict environmentalists are fighting against the development of wind power off the coast of Massachusetts as it might alter marine life and kill birds. Other moderate environmentalists, however, believe a few birds and some marine life may have to be lost to make progress on reduction of greenhouse gases, which they feel pose greater concerns.

The more moderate, nuanced approach to the environment will likely find a wider ear in Washington, as an all or nothing tack will not work in a country trying to find cleaner ways to power its needs domestically.

 

Author

David Abraham

David S Abraham has expertise in the analysis of geopolitical and economic risk as well in energy issues. At the White House Office of Management and Budget, his work included overseeing natural resource and foreign assistance programs, and serving on the interagency trade policy committee. In his previous role as a sovereign risk analyst with Lehman Brothers, subsequently, Barclays Capital, he advised the firm on geopolitical and economic risks in developing countries. He has also consulted for a variety of organizations including the United Nations Support Facility for Indonesian Recovery, RBS Sempra Commodities, ClearWater Initiative and a small German consultancy. David earned degrees from Boston College and The Fletcher School at Tufts University and proudly served as a Peace Corps Volunteer. His written work has appeared in a variety of publications, most recently in The New York Times, The Providence Journal, and CFR.org. He speaks Lithuanian and is a Term Member at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Area of Focus
Geopolitics; Economic Risk; Energy Issues

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