There are numerous issues to consider with regard to cultural differences in relation to environmentalism.  If these are not addressed, there is no way to achieve cooperation between groups in order to reach success in our efforts.

It  is  important  to remember that there  is a vast gulf separating  developed countries  from those  which are still developing.   This barrier is  very real and cannot be ignored.   Oftentimes the  countries have evolved along two completely separate lines,  producing two very different kinds of societies.   Even the way in which environmental concerns  are  addressed is different  between  industrialized  countries  and  those  which  are  undeveloped.   For example,  in the  United States  we tend to  concentrate on one popular  issue at a time,  depending on what is the current fad.   In many  developing countries this is viewed as inconsistent.  It is important to understand these differences of opinion in order to overcome the negative effects they can have (Romero 138).

In many developing countries it is hard for people to believe that things can be done simply for the “right” reasons to benefit everyone.   They are often used to  money being the  motivating factor which effects change of any type (Romero 139).   In developed countries these types of  practices are often considered immoral and sometimes are even illegal.  This difference is philosophy can be a major stumbling block.
 
 

Many times this  is the attitude we should be taking instead  of making demands of other less-developed societies.  How often do we ignore the problems we are causing in our own advanced cities and allow ourselves to be attracted to environmental issues  in undeveloped areas of the world?   The old adage relating to having your own affairs in order before criticizing others is one to which we should adhere.

Many advanced countries tend to treat developing countries as if they were extensions of their own country.  We waltz into their countries dictating orders to people whom we believe are incapable of initiating worthwhile projects on their own.  Often this is done unconsciously; we simply do not stop to think that they may already have environmental programs in place.   We appear overbearing and condescending when we try to force our “expertise” on these people (Romero 139).  We must remember that we need to help find leaders to advance the environmental movement and then to support these local people once we have identified them.  After we have left the region, it will be up to these leaders to motivate their own citizens to manage their country’s resources without our guidance.

Another way that cultures can sometimes divide the environmentalist movement is through the lack of commu- nication.   This movement  is most active in  developed  countries of the world where there is usually only one (possibly two) major languages.  Representatives from these countries often visit developing countries without making the effort to learn the language(s) spoken in the region.  This is not only vain; it is detrimental.  How can you communicate any ideas to someone who cannot understand you?   How can you hear his point of view if you do not understand him?  The local with whom you are trying to communicate will most likely be resentful towards you and may not even want to deal with any other delegates from your organization in the future.

To attempt to facilitate environmental awareness in an area in such a manner is fruitless.  To be effective ambassadors for our cause,  we must make  the attempt to truly understand  the people we hope to motivate to change.  The first necessary  step in this endeavor  is to learn the language of  the people with whom you will be working.
This does  not require that  everyone  involved in a  project learn the language;  it simply requires that there be someone on the team who can communicate with the locals.
 
 

Racial Divisiveness	Reversing Lifestyles
Environmental Obstacles	Interdisciplinary Approach
Overpopulation	Return to Overview