Change Quote by Michael Shellenberger
“Before progressives were apocalyptic about climate change they were apocalyptic about nuclear energy. Then, after the Cold War ended, and the threat of nuclear war declined radically, they found a new vehicle for their secular apocalypse in the form of climate change.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Climate Policy Commentary, 2020
Progressive climate activism shifted focus from nuclear fears to climate urgency after the Cold War, framing climate change as a new existential threat.
In simple terms: Progressives moved from nuclear to climate concerns.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how political narratives evolve with perceived threats.
Themes
politics
environment
history
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- environmental activism
- energy policy debates
- public opinion formation
Key Concepts
secularism
apocalypse
policy shift
Questions to Reflect On
- How do shifting threats shape activist priorities?
- What alternative narratives exist for climate action?
A Different Perspective
The comparison may oversimplify diverse motivations within progressive movements.
![“{The Progressives] outlook was activist and optimistic, not fatalist and despondent. The distinctive characteristic of the Progressives was their conviction that social evils would not remedy themselves and that it was foolhardy to wait passively for time's cure. As Herbert Croly put it, they did…” quote by Robert D. Putnam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b3e/robert-d-putnam-29120_time_the-progressives-outlook-was-activist-an_1763476.jpg)
