About yourself Quote by Mark Steyn
“The first victims of poseur environmentalism will always be developing countries. In order for you to put biofuel in your Prius and feel good about yourself for no reason, real actual people in faraway places have to starve to death.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The New York Times, “The Environmentalist’s Dilemma”, 2008
The quote warns that affluent individuals adopting biofuel for personal gratification can cause severe hardship for people in developing nations who suffer from resource exploitation.
In simple terms: Rich people’s eco‑choices can harm poor nations.
Consider the broader impact of personal green choices.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal consumption
- policy making
- international aid
- energy decisions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance personal environmental actions with global consequences?
- What policies could mitigate harms while promoting green tech?
The claim may overlook benefits of biofuels and advances in sustainable technology.