Transcript
Page 1: Environmental Protest Framing as Eco-terrorism - unh.edu · *Top 20 List of Illegal Actions by Animal and Eco Terrorists 19962010-In the top three “eco-terrorism” acts from 1996-2010,

Environmental Protest Framing as

"Eco-terrorism" BY BRIEANNE YOUNG

Page 2: Environmental Protest Framing as Eco-terrorism - unh.edu · *Top 20 List of Illegal Actions by Animal and Eco Terrorists 19962010-In the top three “eco-terrorism” acts from 1996-2010,

“The disproportionate, heavy-handed government crackdown on

environmental movements, misrepresentation of media outlets and the reckless use of the word terrorism… to push a political

agenda, instill fear, and chill dissent” (William Potter, Green is the New Red)

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTEST FRAMING AS "ECOTERRORISM"

“Eco-Terrorism”: What is the Green Scare?

Page 3: Environmental Protest Framing as Eco-terrorism - unh.edu · *Top 20 List of Illegal Actions by Animal and Eco Terrorists 19962010-In the top three “eco-terrorism” acts from 1996-2010,

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTEST FRAMING AS "ECOTERRORISM"

“The number one domestic terrorism threat in this nation

is ecoterrorism” John Lewis, FBI

Those who break the law in the name of the environment are labeled:

• Monkey wrencher • Saboteur • Criminals • Radical Extremists • Now most powerful marker of

terrorists

Page 4: Environmental Protest Framing as Eco-terrorism - unh.edu · *Top 20 List of Illegal Actions by Animal and Eco Terrorists 19962010-In the top three “eco-terrorism” acts from 1996-2010,

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTEST FRAMING AS "ECOTERRORISM"

Terrorism or Economic sabotage?

Economic sabotage: threat against property Terrorism: possessing a threat against human lives

*Top 20 List of Illegal Actions by Animal and Eco Terrorists 1996-2010

In the top three “eco-terrorism” acts from 1996-2010, there were no injuries involved*

Page 5: Environmental Protest Framing as Eco-terrorism - unh.edu · *Top 20 List of Illegal Actions by Animal and Eco Terrorists 19962010-In the top three “eco-terrorism” acts from 1996-2010,

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTEST FRAMING AS "ECOTERRORISM"

Earth First! 1979 Mission: “Use all the tools in the tool box, ranging from grassroots organizing and involvement in the legal

process to civil disobedience to put Earth in the front runner of priorities [biocentrism]”

Page 6: Environmental Protest Framing as Eco-terrorism - unh.edu · *Top 20 List of Illegal Actions by Animal and Eco Terrorists 19962010-In the top three “eco-terrorism” acts from 1996-2010,

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTEST FRAMING AS "ECOTERRORISM"

Eco-al-Qaeda

Media eco-terrorism frame caused by: • Mimicking government rhetoric • “Leaderless resistance” • Past affiliation with more radical ELF • “Us” Versus “Them” Rhetoric • Environmentalist protesters= villains

Means of Achievement: “Remain non-violent towards other human beings, do not engage in sabotage, respect all forms of life and educated the public”

(Earth First Initiation Pact)

Page 7: Environmental Protest Framing as Eco-terrorism - unh.edu · *Top 20 List of Illegal Actions by Animal and Eco Terrorists 19962010-In the top three “eco-terrorism” acts from 1996-2010,

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTEST FRAMING AS "ECOTERRORISM"

Page 8: Environmental Protest Framing as Eco-terrorism - unh.edu · *Top 20 List of Illegal Actions by Animal and Eco Terrorists 19962010-In the top three “eco-terrorism” acts from 1996-2010,

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTEST FRAMING AS "ECOTERRORISM"

Tree Spiking and the George Alexander Case

Page 9: Environmental Protest Framing as Eco-terrorism - unh.edu · *Top 20 List of Illegal Actions by Animal and Eco Terrorists 19962010-In the top three “eco-terrorism” acts from 1996-2010,

April 29th 2013

1. House Bill 2595 • 1st offence: a minimum sentence of

thirteen months • 2nd offence: $25,000 fine, five years in

prison for non-violent civil disobedience

2. House Bill 2596 • Loggers can sue protesters • Max. $10,000 in lost income

November 13th 2013 Department of State Lands proposed to sell three tracts of the Elliott State Forest

Oregon New Laws

Page 10: Environmental Protest Framing as Eco-terrorism - unh.edu · *Top 20 List of Illegal Actions by Animal and Eco Terrorists 19962010-In the top three “eco-terrorism” acts from 1996-2010,

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTEST FRAMING AS "ECOTERRORISM"


Recommended