The Monolith and the Planet

In 2007, House Democrate Ron Kind attempted to push a bill that aimed to reform farm subsidies. The time seemed right: public awareness had been growing about the incredible strain caused on both the earth and its people by industrial farming, which was kept afloat by governmental subsidies. The organic movement was resurging, health food stores popping up everywhere, and books about food, such as Michael Pollans Omnivore's Dilemma and Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation, had people squirming at their dinner table. It was clear: people wanted some change.

Change didn't come. The bill was crushed. What passed instead was a bill crafted to benefit the large food corporations and buy off opposing factions (see TIME's Why Our Farm Policy is Failing). Years later we still find ourselves demanding change with increased effort; change that has yet to come.

This pattern is one that most people involved or interested in environmental policy are all too familiar with. Its happened over and over again with chemicals, genetically modified foods, carbon cap-and-trade bills, wildlife protection efforts -- the good will and desire to protect and sustain this beautiful planet comes at odds with the complicated world of politics. In the end, it seems that, when things do get done, they are mere shadows of the original intentions.

It is easy to lament this ravaged planet, filled with so many people who want to take care of it but who can't or struggle to because of this large monolith we call our government.

In order to be effective in our efforts for change, we need to come to some understanding of the subtleties of environmental policy. Bettering our knowledge of politics, and understanding opposition to change, will enable us to better fight to protect this planet. Hopefully this article can provide some insights on how to begin.