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Causes Quote by Bill McKibben

“In the States, the movement's actually gotten much much much stronger. There really was no climate movement so to speak before that - I think because everybody assumed that reasonable heads would prevail and do the right thing - and why would you need to have a huge movement in order to cause our…” quote by Bill McKibben
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“In the States, the movement's actually gotten much much much stronger. There really was no climate movement so to speak before that - I think because everybody assumed that reasonable heads would prevail and do the right thing - and why would you need to have a huge movement in order to cause our leaders to deal with the most serious problem that they face. In a rational world you wouldn't. They would deal with it.”

Bill McKibben

About This Quote

Source Book: The End of Nature, 1989 (paraphrased)

The climate movement has grown stronger, challenging the belief that rational leaders will act without public pressure.

In simple terms: Climate movement is now strong.

Key Takeaway

Support activism to drive policy change.

Themes

environment activism politics leadership

Mood

urgent hopeful

Type

environmental activist

When to use this quote

  • policy advocacy
  • community organizing
  • media campaigns

Key Concepts

social movements public pressure

Questions to Reflect On

  • What motivates leaders to act on climate?
  • How can activism sustain momentum?
A Different Perspective

Rational actors may still resist change despite pressure.

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