Libertarian environmentalism

[Tetro Kornbluth]

The problem with argument B, the Libertarian argument and Libertarianism in general is that nature doesn't give a damn about private property. If we are all going to die, then we are all going to die. Individualism doesn't come into it.

[Tetro Kornbluth]

I would say both arguments are applicable to some extent.

Argument A would apply to things like air pollution - air doesn't stay in one place, so it can be considered communal. What you do in the air in one area will more than likely affect the air in other areas as the air moves around. Air therefore could be considered a communal resource.

Argument B can apply to things like land based pollution on a localized scale. If I own five acres of woods, and I drop an aluminum can in the middle of it I have affected the environment, but only at a local level and on my personal property.

The problem with argument B, the Libertarian argument and Libertarianism in general is that nature doesn't give a damn about private property. If we are all going to die, then we are all going to die. Individualism doesn't come into it.

Nature doesn't, but man affects nature obviously. That's the issue these arguments regard - how we consider man's effects on nature.

In B, the libertarian case would be something like this - if you dump trash and waste onto your own property, one of two things will happen. The first is that it stays localized and does not affect any neighboring property, be it public or private. The second is that it does affect the neighboring properties. That could mean it makes a bad smell, that it creates a pest problem, the waste spills into other properties, or perhaps simply that it creates an eyesore that significantly lowers property values.

In the first case a libertarian wouldn't care that much. The second would call for some lawful action even to a libertarian.

And after that good post you ruin by the saying the big problem is significantly lowers property values". Libertarians can be quite amusing sometimes.

I was thinking more of big things like Global Warming (assuming that it is happening) rather some mere local concern. Say the doomsayers are right (and somehow I doubt it, but let's say they are) won't that mean that libertarianism and free marketism as an ideology... is a complete failure?

[Tetro Kornbluth]

Yeah, I know you are moderate Dibble, just bashing Libertarianism is just what I do.

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I never said it wasn't an issue, though your example is rather extreme. I was just laughing at your focus; trust Libertarians to make every issue to be about "property rights" (a right I personally don't care much for.)

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Okay, fair enough, I agree with ye. And local issues are best solved locally. Probably just a miscommunication here.

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"Ideology" that is a strange thing 'to be' anyway. Personally I think everyone has an ideology, mine being "doomed romantic humanist" if that is a decent enough label.