--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If you think modernity is mostly to blame…" description: "\"If you think modernity is mostly to blame for pollution, visit Africa where people still burn wood and dung as an energy source.\" — Michael Shellenberger" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0be/michael-shellenberger-7859_blame_if-you-think-modernity-is-mostly-to-blam_2386146.jpg" --- # If you think modernity is mostly to blame for pollution… ![“If you think modernity is mostly to blame for pollution, visit Africa where people still burn wood and dung as an energy source.” quote by Michael Shellenberger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0be/michael-shellenberger-7859_blame_if-you-think-modernity-is-mostly-to-blam_2386146.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0be/michael-shellenberger-7859_blame_if-you-think-modernity-is-mostly-to-blam_2386146.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0be/michael-shellenberger-7859_blame_if-you-think-modernity-is-mostly-to-blam_2386146.jpg) > “If you think modernity is mostly to blame for pollution, visit Africa where people still burn wood and dung as an energy source.” [Michael Shellenberger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-shellenberger/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Modern industrial societies are not the sole cause of pollution; many developing regions rely on traditional biomass fuels that also harm the environment. **In simple terms:** Pollution comes from both modern and traditional energy use. Key Takeaway Address energy sources in all regions. Themes environment development energy pollution inequality Mood concerned hopeful Type analytical policy When to use this quote - rural households - policy making - NGO projects - public health campaigns Key Concepts sustainability energy transition environmental justice Questions to Reflect On - How can we support clean energy without harming local economies? - What are the trade‑offs of rapid modernization? A Different Perspective Traditional fuels also cause deforestation and health issues, complicating simple blame narratives. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Blame](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/blame/) [Blame Pollution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/blame-pollution-4771499/) [Burn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/burn/) [Energy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/energy/) [Modernity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/modernity/) [Modernity Blame](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/modernity-blame-5927516/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Pollution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pollution/) [Think Modernity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/think-modernity-5927515/) ## Related quotes > [It seems a shallow observation, but... the Tory Conference are not an attractive lot, are they? 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