Harvard Political Review Online, November 16, 2007

AN ISSUE FOR THE CENTER-RIGHT

[Rachel's introduction: The European emphasis on environmentalism is imbedded in the legal foundation of the European Union. The precautionary principle, codified in the European Union's 1992 Maastricht Treaty, states that if an action or policy may have negative effects on the environment, even if these effects are not fully scientifically proven, the burden of proof falls on the advocates of the risky action.]

By Abigail Schiff

If European countries are any guide, the next big thing in conservative politics may well be environmentalism. As Europe becomes more environmentally conscious, its center-right politicians have adapted environmentalism and have made it conform to the logic of capitalism. Conservative leaders from England's David Cameron to France's Nicolas Sarkozy have followed German Chancellor Angela Merkel's lead to make environmental protection a priority of the center-right. Market-based environmental policy has become a hallmark of the new Europe, and an important part of its leaders' success, both at home and internationally.

Proceed With Caution

The European emphasis on environmentalism is imbedded in the legal foundation of the European Union. The precautionary principle, codified in the European Union's 1992 Maastricht Treaty, states that if an action or policy may have negative effects on the environment, even if these effects are not fully scientifically proven, the burden of proof falls on the advocates of the risky action. Recent environmental disasters such as flooding in England and widespread fires in Greece this past summer have heightened public consciousness of the fragility of the natural environment. As the Maastricht Treaty indicates, the European Union has made environmental issues a greater priority in an effort to secure the future of its bloc and establish its leadership on an important global issue.

New Conservatism for the New Europe

Market environmentalism is gaining ground in Europe, as conservative politicians realize that environmental consciousness can be the key to the economic and popular success of their governments. Many European governments have adapted a market-based system of environmentalism based on the Kyoto "cap and trade" policy, culminating in the 2005 EU emissions trading scheme, which allows companies to buy and sell permits to produce greenhouse gases. Daniele Cesano, a fellow at the Kennedy School of Government, said in an interview with the HPR that the market-based model is attractive for two reasons: "Based on the United States's experience, it has proved to be more cost-effective to have carbon trade, and it is also easier to be sold to voters, although it results in the same cost to taxpayers in the form of increases in costs of energy."

European leaders have also found that action on green issues can be parlayed into political and diplomatic capital. According to Sheila Jasanoff, the Pforzheimer professor of science and technology studies at Harvard, a government's increased attention to environmental policy shows "what kind of world citizen you're going to be," and brings international goodwill. This, in turn, affects everything from trading relationships to interactions between heads of state. At least since Margaret Thatcher took a pioneering interest in the environment, politicians have used environmental policy to strengthen their popular image.

Following Merkel's Lead

Leading the current movement of center-right environmentalism is German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has won acclaim for her strong environmental advocacy. The German minister for the environment from 1994 to 1998, she was only narrowly elected as Chancellor on a platform of conservative reform. Once in office, working with an unsteady coalition government, she turned her energies towards environmental policy. She advocated for the European carbon-trading scheme, made diplomatic advances to the United States, and became a spokeswoman for the European environmental movement. She has since benefited from approval ratings over 70 percent. Germany has likewise benefited from international goodwill and from economic success based on environmentally friendly products, which now make up 19 percent of German exports.

Other European governments have followed her example and leveraged environmentalism as a policy issue. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair developed an image of environmental leadership in order to differentiate himself from his allies in the United States. French President Nicolas Sarkozy has continued his country's established energy policy by focusing on nuclear power, and has also used calls for environmental action to offset his pro-American slant. All of these politicians have used environmentalism for their own ends, but also for the good of their country's economy and international standing.

Politicians elsewhere might do well to learn from the leaders of Europe. As environmental challenges increasingly dominate the global political agenda, conservatives worldwide may not be able to cede this issue to the left. Moving forward, the center-right could find that promotion of the precautionary principle will save more than the global environment -- it could also save their jobs.¨

Copyright Harvard Political Review, 2007.