Environmentalism Quote by Charles Krauthammer
““The largest threat to freedom, democracy, the market economy and prosperity,' warns Czech president Vaclav Klaus, 'is no longer socialism. It is, instead, the ambitious, arrogant, unscrupulous ideology of environmentalism.' If you doubt the arrogance, you haven't seen that Newsweek cover story that declared the global warming debate over. Consider: If Newton's laws of motion could, after 200 years of unfailing experimental and experiential confirmation, be overthrown, it requires religious fervor to believe that global warming--infinitely more untested, complex and speculative--is a closed issue.””
About This Quote
The quote argues that environmentalism, driven by extreme confidence, threatens freedoms and prosperity more than socialism, likening climate change denial to rejecting well‑established scientific laws.
In simple terms: Environmentalism is portrayed as a dangerous, overconfident ideology that endangers liberty.
Question extreme confidence of movements that may stifle debate.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- public discourse
- legislation
- media coverage
- education
- activism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance environmental protection with economic freedom?
- What role should scientific uncertainty play in policy?
The comparison may oversimplify climate science and ignore legitimate concerns about environmental impacts.