In his book Just Earth, Tony Juniper argues that addressing inequality is crucial to solving the climate crisis. As the head of Natural England, he emphasizes that the current approach often pits economic growth against environmental concerns, which disproportionately impacts low-income individuals and communities of color. Juniper critiques policymakers for their view that environmental destruction is a necessary cost of progress, asserting that this perspective is flawed.
He discusses the need for a fairer distribution of ecological resources, questioning whether raising living standards globally is viable or if a leveling down in developed nations is required. Juniper urges a shift away from measuring success solely through GDP, advocating for metrics that consider social well-being, equality, and environmental impact.
As populism rises, he underscores the urgency of connecting inequality with environmental issues, noting that marginalized groups suffer the most from ecological disasters despite contributing the least to them. He critiques the government’s dismissal of environmental priorities and calls for better regulations to balance development with wildlife protection. Juniper is dedicated to improving dialogues with the government to enhance wildlife protection while meeting infrastructure needs.
