Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores that environmental skepticism is a social counter-movement. The chapter takes pains to couch the counter-movement in social movement theory in the context of other US movements opposed to the expansion of protective ecological policies and values. One important caveat and qualification to the entirety of this book, is that examples of skeptical writing are used to illustrate themes within the larger skeptical project, and individual skeptics adhere to varied parts and themes. Few skeptics will adhere totally to each theme or aspect of the larger project. For example, when discussing ideology, scholars of ideology understand that people hold mixed perspectives that cover a range of commitments, with some individuals so committed that they cannot even imagine another way of seeing the Good Life, while others are much less committed for whatever reason.