The Conservative Environmentalist - by Benji Backer (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A passionate, provocative vision for solving our climate crisis from a young, forward-thinking conservative climate activist. Activists, politicians, and pseudo-experts have led us to believe that there are only two viable approaches to climate change: panicked doomerism or flat-out denial. Conservative climate activist Benji Backer argues that both are failing. In The Conservative Environmentalist, he proposes a new strategy for fixing the climate-while serving the American people instead of working against them. Backer makes the compelling case that conservative values are the key to climate solutions that actually work. In this book, you'll visit the country's most diverse ecosystems and consequential manufacturing hubs-from Utah coal mines and Texas oil fields to Louisiana's wetlands and Rhode Island's off-shore wind farms-witnessing the power of individual entrepreneurship and local problem-solving. You'll learn about the inspiring, under-the-radar efforts to improve Earth's ecosystems that big government Green New Dealers don't want you to know about, like partnerships between resource-rich oil and gas companies and environmental nonprofits to preserve thousands of acres of wetlands. Drawing on the most credible science, a deep understanding of local community needs, and his experience rallying politicians on the Left and Right to take action, Backer offers hope for everyone who cares about the planet and the future of America. Fascinating, clear-headed, and full of surprises, this book is the fresh approach we need to create a sustainable future for America and the world"--

Book Synopsis

A young, conservative environmentalist provides an intrepid vision for both solving our climate crisis and prioritizing the American national interest.

Politicians, pseudo-experts, and other partisans have led us to believe that there are only two approaches to climate change: doomerism or denial. Benji Backer, Founder and Executive Chairman of the American Conservation Coalition, argues that both are dead ends. In The Conservative Environmentalist, he delivers an entirely new strategy to take care of the planet while putting put the economic interest of the American people first.

Backer makes the compelling case that conservative principles are the key to climate solutions that actually work. In this book, you'll visit the country's most diverse ecosystems and consequential manufacturing hubs--from Utah coal mines and Texas oil fields to Louisiana wetlands and Rhode Island offshore wind farms--witnessing the power of individual entrepreneurship and local problem-solving. You'll be inspired by groundbreaking efforts to strengthen earth's ecosystems (that Green New Dealers and other Big Government advocates would prefer to keep hidden), like partnerships between oil and gas companies and environmental nonprofits to preserve thousands of acres of wetlands.

Drawing on cutting-edge science, a deep understanding of local community needs, and his experience rallying politicians on both sides of the aisle to take action, Backer offers hope for everyone who cares about the state of the great outdoors. Fascinating, clear-headed, and full of surprises, The Conservative Environmentalist is the fresh, audacious approach needed to ensure a sustainable future, and particularly one that works for America.

Review Quotes

"An essential read that shows how protecting our natural resources and advancing America's national interests are mutually reinforcing goals." --ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, former governor of California and author of Be Useful

"This book is a breath of fresh air for those of us who have been left behind by the current unproductive and radical environmental dialogue."--DAVE RUBIN, New York Times bestselling author of Don't Burn This Book

"The Conservative Environmentalist is a critical blueprint for the future of climate action. An indispensable resource for all Americans who yearn for a cleaner, safer planet." --VAN JONES, CNN host and New York Times bestselling author

"Amid the divisive and unproductive climate change discussion, The Conservative Environmentalist is an essential guide for what must be done now to ensure a much better tomorrow."--JEREMY JONES, professional snowboarder and founder of Protect Our Winters

"Finally, a book on climate action that won't make you want to bury your head in a compost pile! Backer not only shuns alarmism but also shows how economic prosperity and environmental protection go hand in hand." - KONSTANTIN KISIN, bestselling author and host of the Triggernometry podcast

"[Backer's] conservative approach to tackling this critically important issue is a refreshing addition to the national conversation."--CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS (R-WA), US representative for Washington's fifth congressional district

"The Conservative Environmentalist bravely steers the ship of reason between the two pillars of denial and existential angst. . . . Tribalists seeking confirmation of their prejudices should look elsewhere."--KERRY EMANUEL, professor of atmospheric science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

About the Author

Benji Backer is the founder and executive chairman of the American Conservation Coalition (ACC), the largest right-of-center environmental organization in the country. For his work spearheading the ACC, he has been named to the Fortune 40 Under 40, Forbes 30 Under 30, GreenBiz 30 Under 30, and Grist 50 lists. A frequent contributor to national media outlets, he's become one of the leading environmental voices in the United States. Above all, Backer is an avid outdoorsman who spends most
of his free time in the mountains out West.