Ecological Modernization Essay

3607 Words15 Pages
Can the promotion of ecological modernisation contribute to a resolution of the contemporary tensions between ecology and society Introduction The term “ecological modernisation” was first time coined in 1982 by Martin Jaenicke as he used it in a speech at the Berlin House of Representatives (WCED, 1987). In the following years, it developed and started being used in publications by authors of the “Berlin School” as an interdisciplinary political, economical, and social science approach. However, during the 1990s, the concept became a social sciences development involving modernisation and innovation theoretical foundation. Ecological modernisation achieved general acceptance in international literature, especially in Japan and China (Mol & Sonnenfeld, 2000, 3-16). In politics, ecological modernisation is one of the major guiding principles. Eco-friendly technological development is always considered as a key role in economic, political, institutional and cultural conditions control (Buttel, 2000, 57-65). Ecological modernisation is effective usage of resources, it works upon more efficiency and compatibility with nature in usage of raw materials, energy and environmental media (soil, water, air) (Mol & Sonnenfeld, 2000, 3-16). Apart from this, there is an environmental-economic insight that economy and ecology need not be mutually exclusive. The idea is to align the pace of technology in environmental innovation and with the help of it, initiate an ecological modernisation system that keeps us safe by resolving tensions between ecology and the society (Mol & Sonnenfeld, 2000, 3-16). Ecological modernisation is like a mission statement, which is in contrast to the past, not only a sense of hope, but it also bears the traits of anxiety, what is waiting for us if we do not change our direction. This essay will attempt to address the extent to
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