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Also not an environmentalist, this picture is cool too though (imgur.com)

submitted ago by MightyTightyWhitey

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[–]Mackinstyle 28 points29 points ago

I'm a geographer with two environment degrees. I'm an environmentalist. Trust me, the actual educated people who can make a difference are not to be confused with the bleeding heart nature people. There is being reasonable and there is being angry.

For example, I've done research on green energy and believe it is the future. Fossil fuels are unsustainable for many reasons and would be best replaced in the decades ahead. But I'm not a nut. This has to both be reasonably timed (can't wave a magic wand and have it done) and it has to be financially advantageous.

Real environmentalists are those who see things objectively and work to actually make a difference by rationally considering reality and not just screaming about evil vs. good.

Sorry that this is so terse. I'm on a bus. I hope it makes sense though.

[–]epicwisdom 0 points1 point ago

Financially advantageous is only one criterion... We still have political and social acceptance. People are still ridiculously afraid of nuclear power, despite some of the highest safety margins and energy estimates in the history of mankind. Sure, there's scares like Fukushima, Chernobyl, but in reality, nuclear is better in almost every way than fossil fuels, and is something we can make happen now, as far as it being profitable and already well developed.

[–]Mackinstyle 0 points1 point ago

Nuclear power is a must if we want to make any reasonable change in the next 100 years. Renewables can not provide the needed baseline (that nuclear is incredibly good at doing...). In every statistical and scientific measure, nuclear power is cleaner and safer. It's so frustrating that the hollowskulls have so much sway still... this is the 21st century.

[–]ghostinahumanshape 147 points148 points ago

wtf? why do you have to say youre not an environmentalist? like it's a bad thing? haha look at these fags caring about the earth. cool pic though.

[–]CitizenPremier 48 points49 points ago

I don't understand why anyone would not be an environmentalist. It's like saying "I don't care if I sleep in shit."

The environment is literally the world we live in. How could you not care about it in some way?

[–]PhotoShopNewb 2 points3 points ago

Everyone is an environmentalist if you define it that generally.

I think that the point he was trying to make is, he doesn't care about industrial expansion.

The point the picture tries to make is that industrial and urban expansion is a negative. I think the OP doesn't necessarily believe that.

[–]persistent_illusion 3 points4 points ago

Environmentalism as a movement is also associated (rightly so) with political trends beyond just the environment. For example, they are typically anti-globalization. Also their approach to protecting the environment is, in my opinion, unrealistically hands off. I don't categorically disagree with the environmental movement though! I like some things they do.

I consider myself a conservationist, to put forward a similar but different ideology.

[–]RedShirtedMystery 0 points1 point ago

100% agree I do not understand it either, why not preserve what little we have left? I feel that this notion of people not caring about the environment have never seen the true power of what nature can do to you. You don't have to a conservative or a liberal to care about the environment

[–]Korlis 35 points36 points ago

LOL I was about to say something similar. It's like when someone says "I'm not racist but..." and then says something racist. Somehow there's a social stigma against caring for the environment... I that makes me much sadder than niki minaj on idol or the biebs hufflepuffing.

(And those things make me pretty fucking sad)

[–]elementalist467 5 points6 points ago

There is a general sentiment that environmentalists tell people how to live their lives. The disdain they face is a backlash against that feeling.

[–]absolutebeginners 13 points14 points ago

Well just fucking listen to us already!

[–]BurntTheToast 0 points1 point ago

Yeah just live as we tell you an everything will be fine.

[–]civilPDX 3 points4 points ago

Really, is that how they feel? They feel that people fighting to get more environmentally friendly options and solutions on the table is controlling their lives.... Funny I thought the the destruction of the water and air we breath and the ruin of the natural resources that we all depend on was kind of the controlling situation in our lives... But fuck it it only took 200 million years to make that piece of shit plastic bottle/ bag that you are going to use for the thirty minute car ride home... No one is going to tell you what is right.

[–]elementalist467 -1 points0 points ago

Yeah crazy rants like that are what hurt preception of environmentalists. Environmentalism should always be presented in even temper and incremental steps to uninitiated audiences. Otherwise what forms in the mind of the audience is "that tree hugger wants me to live in the trees and eat moss" when really they were just hoping the audience would consider recycling and composting.

[–]civilPDX 1 point2 points ago

You missed the point of my "rant", and yes I agree that even tempered and in incremental steps is the best way to change people's minds, but this is the Internet, I am not going to sit here and make people feel comfortable saying stupid stuff... My comment was supposed to reflect on the idiocy of the defensive position people are taking with statements like "environmentalists are controlling their lives", anyone can look around and see that this is an insane concept, if it were true we would all be eating tofu, living in geodesic domes, and the government would have taken away our cars.. And and and... You see any time someone complains that an "environmentalist" wants to control their lives they are " ranting" but we are so far from a world in which the selfish and insane attitudes of the dominant culture have to care about reality that everything besides what they think is somehow an attempt to control them and take their freedom, it's why someone who posts a picture he likes feels it necessary to first say " I am not an environmentalist, but..."

[–]elementalist467 0 points1 point ago

Those are realities of the audience environmentalists need to reach. Those who think objectively are likely already environmentally aware and don't need evangelizing.

[–]Kringels -1 points0 points ago

It makes me sad that those things make you sad.

[–]strattonbrazil 8 points9 points ago

There are similar conversations on reddit about being a feminist or not. While most people don't consider themselves feminists, if you're for equal rights for women, some say that categorizes you as a feminist.

I don't personally consider myself an environmentalist or feminist. I want equal rights for women and to take care of the environment, but I don't actively do or promote anything in that. I consider either one of those labels to require some sort of action on my part.

[–]llama_boi 0 points1 point ago

"Equal rights for women" is not equal rights. Just pointing that out.

[–]MightyTightyWhitey[S] -3 points-2 points ago

Exactly, you get it.

[–]Thenightsky123 12 points13 points ago

You shouldnt be that insecure about having an opinion

[–]chrisda 2 points3 points ago

But by posting this, it kind of required some "action" on your part. But I get it, I'm not a misogynist but I still go to and actively participate on reddit. So we're good.

[–]Notathingys -2 points-1 points ago

I guess im both then. I'd like to puch a tree and a woman equally.

[–]Vegemeister 1 point2 points ago

There are some who call themselves environmentalists and value the Earth independently of its ability to support human life. I am all for preserving the habitability and beauty of the planet, but I would not want to be associated with people who oppose nuclear power and would have us live in straw huts rather than air-conditioned towers of stone and glass and steel.

[–]Will_Power -1 points0 points ago

wtf? why do you have to say youre not an environmentalist?

I know it isn't popular to note this on reddit, but there are a lot of environmentalists who are so off-putting that the whole title is being sullied.

[–]dhockey63 -1 points0 points ago

*facepalm by saying he's not an environmentalist he's saying he's not actively criticizing these practices or fighting for change. He was simply saying he likes this picture, he said he's not an environmentalist to avoid a stupid argument from finding its way onto this page. However, you sir seem to have taken offense to it

[–]resykle 0 points1 point ago

I think he was going for "Look at this neat picture!" not "I'm making a statement here that we should not ever cut down trees ever!"

[–]Vertigobee 5 points6 points ago

There is mutual misunderstanding here. OP says, "I'm not an environmentalist, I'm a car salesman." What environmentalists hear is, "I support protecting the environment, but I don't like environmentalists and don't want to be associated with them." What I think you are trying to say is, "I am not an environmentalist by profession, and do not spend a lot of time actively protecting the environment, but I support protecting the environment." To environmentalists, caring about the environment ipso facto makes you an environmentalist. A lot of them don't spend a lot of time actively taking care of the environment, but they would if they could. So your post (saying you are not an environmentalist but here's a picture about environmentalism) makes no sense to them. It is extra frustrating because people talk this way a lot about women's rights (I'm not a feminist, but I think men and women should have equal rights).

[–]fordarwin 1 point2 points ago

Exacto Mondo. How can you not be an environmentalist and live on the same planet? Does nature not take your breath away? Do you not like breathing the crisp air of autumn? Do you not like trees? I don't get how people end up saying stuff like I'm not an environmentalist. If you think your kids or those of your friends ought to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine, then you care. And that's mostly all an environmentalist really is - a person who cares.

[–]Canebrake247 0 points1 point ago

I think the confusion comes from people not understanding the difference between caring about something and being an activist.

For instance, maybe I think I'm not a feminist because I don't actively fight for women's rights. Even though I care about the well being of Women, and I respect the fact that rights are an important part of our modern society, for Men and Women alike.

TL:DR People can care for something without defining themselves as part of that activist group.

[–]beeper917 12 points13 points ago

Anyone seeking more info might also check here:

title comnts points age /r/
Industry vs Nature 118coms 1037pts 5mos pics
Chess play of Nature 250coms 1612pts 7mos pics
Mother Nature vs Man Kind... 8coms 16pts 3mos pics
Chess 3coms 21pts 2mos pics
Environmental checkmate. Conceptual art using chess board. (x-post from r/chess) 6coms 76pts 9dys pics

source: karmadecay

[–]Thenightsky123 7 points8 points ago

All of these titles are better than: Also not an environmentalist, this picture is cool too though

[–]Robow 0 points1 point ago

Yep, immediately knew it was a repost from 9 days ago as it's still my desktop wallpaper from then.

[–]rayz0101 14 points15 points ago

TIL mother nature sucks at chess.

[–]SickBoy88 4 points5 points ago

There's no way she can win when our opening move destroys half the board.

[–]Semajal 2 points3 points ago

She is in it for the lonnnng game though.

[–]JimmerUK 0 points1 point ago

Plus, those trees aren't going anywhere of their own accord anytime soon.

[–]PoniesRBitchin 0 points1 point ago

I feel like they left out some of nature's best pieces, like volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, hurricanes and floods. Those seem to even the playing field a little every once in a while.

[–]cairns22 6 points7 points ago

Treebeard to E7.

[–]I-am-Super-Serial 4 points5 points ago

Hi-Res: http://i.imgur.com/QwxwKB6.jpg

[–]j0cks0n -1 points0 points ago

Thank you!

[–]jeradj 3 points4 points ago

This has a heavy lord of the rings vibe for me.

[–]bob000000005555 15 points16 points ago

Why would someone not be an environmentalist?

Why, because fuck the Earth, that's why!

[–]pgc 8 points9 points ago

why not be an environmentalist?

[–]awesomeck 0 points1 point ago

Don't you know? Its trendy to hate the environment these days.

[–]oasisoflight 11 points12 points ago

What is this 'not an environmentalist' thing? Do you not breathe and drink and eat? Do you have no interest in the health and welfare of your home?

[–]jammydee3 0 points1 point ago

I'm fairly sure the board is wrong, shouldn't the bottom right hand corner always be black?

[–]DIonized 0 points1 point ago

White on right.

[–]I_Am_TheSnuggler 0 points1 point ago

I thought Daleks would get a bigger role in extermination, then just being a rook

[–]Canebrake247 0 points1 point ago

I think those are supposed to be Sawdust burners.

[–]gybryant 2 points3 points ago

Nuclear plant cooling towers don't spew smoke.

[–]nk_sucks 3 points4 points ago

look, another braindead, karma-whoring submission.

[–]girls_kissing_girls 0 points1 point ago

Looks like the concept art for a video game.

[–]RedditorPredditor 1 point2 points ago

Saruman and his forces are moving into Fangorn Forrest to destroy Treebeard and all of the other ents.

[–]Radical_Coyote 0 points1 point ago

I think we're winning!

[–]IvoryCobra 0 points1 point ago

Your move nature!

[–]c_mulk 0 points1 point ago

Looks like the construction company has pretty much already won, especially since those trees can't move

[–]Wazowski 1 point2 points ago

Hey, it's Warsong Gulch.

The key to winning is to control midfield.

[–]Bikenutt 1 point2 points ago

Why would you need a disclaimer or a label for someone? Lots of people care about our air, land and water. I consider myself a person who simply cares.

[–]uakari 1 point2 points ago

This one is my favorite. And it's real.

[–]awesomepossom55 3 points4 points ago

Do your research, thats just water vapor.

[–]Seeders -1 points0 points ago

There should be animals as the main pieces, and only trees as the pawns.

[–]AcrossTheUniverse2 0 points1 point ago

If you care about breathing air, drinking water and eating food that don't poison you - then you are an environmentalist. Otherwise you are just suicidal.

[–]mstrawn 0 points1 point ago

Look at those poor heavy machines being all taken over by greenery. It's a shame.

[–]CptSandbag73 0 points1 point ago

Soem of those trees were my friends!

[–]awesomepossom55 1 point2 points ago

http://www.twosides.us/#page=Latest-5

As a paper engineer I hate this picture... it makes me angry every time I see it because most people don't know the truth. I met the CEO of this company this weekend, it is called two sides and his site offers the truth. Pictures like this are slanderous to our industry.

[–]TehCrossman 0 points1 point ago

Looks like card wars from Adventure Time...

[–]CheezIts_YAY 0 points1 point ago

Kinda sucks playing chess when really slow metabolism is the only move you can make.

[–]frankleee 0 points1 point ago

It confuses me why anyone would want to clearly label themselves as "NOT an environmentalist"....

[–]ApteryxAustralis 0 points1 point ago

What is the rook on the tree-cutting side?

[–]Canebrake247 0 points1 point ago

It's a Sawdust burner.

[–]ManOnGnar 0 points1 point ago

These two teams of chess should be one. in this day and age we have come up with a system of harvesting trees and letting forests regrow. You may see a waste land after, but in 40 to 50 years after harvesting the whole area will have grown back. 40 to 50 years is really nothing in the whole scheme of things.

[–]RedShirtedMystery 0 points1 point ago

"Also no an environmentalist" I don't get how someone can be against saving what little nature on this planet for your own eyes and future generations to see

[–]benl1036 0 points1 point ago

What's all that green stuff on the right?

[–]Marine_Unknown 0 points1 point ago

For a second I thought the rooks were daleks

[–]thelosthansen 0 points1 point ago

Reminds me of the chessboard in Butcherblock Mountains in Everquest

[–]QualityEnforcer -4 points-3 points ago

Higher-resolution version 1,058 kB (2,880 x 1,800) 743%

MightyTightyWhitey [OP] may directly remove this comment by clicking here.

[–]Moonstrife 6 points7 points ago

That sure is a high quality broken link.

[–]dhockey63 -1 points0 points ago

I notice all those "environmentalists" criticizing humans also live in nice houses with climate control, indoor plumbing, and electricity. Nature looks pretty, but id much rather live inside

[–]Electric5000 1 point2 points ago

You don't have to live in the woods to be an environmentalist. Living in a house or an apartment is fine. Many people try to lower their ecological footprint by consuming less or paying for products that are sustainably created. I think you have a very skewed idea of what environmentally friendly is. Heres a link for some simple ways to lighten your ecological footprint: http://www.50waystohelp.com/

You can go further by investing in alternative energy to heat and light your home, as well as walking or riding your bike to local stores rather than driving. Investing in charities which work to protect the environment is also a great way to help out, check out charitynavigator.com to find good charities.

[–]Shitballs1 -2 points-1 points ago

No it's not. It's fucking stupid is what it is

[–]mandano 0 points1 point ago

At least in North America, after those "evil" industrialists are done fucking up the land, they usually try to get it back to close to the original environmental state. Reclamation of disturbed land is fairly heavily regulated, and is usually planned even before the land is disturbed.

[–]Electric5000 -1 points0 points ago

Unfortunately it takes many decades or even centuries for land to have the same environmental value it once did. Old growth forests offer such incredible value the environment that host immense numbers of ecosystems whereas reclaimed land doesn't offer nearly as much for a very very very long time. Its not the same.

[–]mandano 0 points1 point ago

Better than nothing though!

[–]Electric5000 -1 points0 points ago

How about sustainable forestry? That'd be a lot better, we wouldn't need to ruin extremely old forests and destroy unique and valuable ecosystems. Sustainability is what is necessary not trying to replace the irreplaceable with a cheap knockoff.

[–]mandano 1 point2 points ago

All forestry in north america already does so sustainably. They plant at least as many trees as they cut down, if not more. Sure it takes decades to grow back to the same size, and they'll probably cut that area down again in the future, but that's sustainable. It doesn't save old growth forests though.

[–]spamasaurus 0 points1 point ago

The ultimate goal of industry is for the human race to become autotrophic and finally be free of dependance on other species for survival. The so called damage will pay off when we can synthesize bread and meat in factories from solar power. You should not mock that which shelters you from a life of drudgery.

[–]kill_ass -3 points-2 points ago

Um downvote for not being an environmentalist. Actually, also fuck you too.

[–]kill_ass -3 points-2 points ago

After reading your responses. I take back what I said. It is my opinion that if you value the environment, believe in conservation, then you're an environmentalist.

[–]MightyTightyWhitey[S] 2 points3 points ago

I'm not a bad guy, I care about earth ;(

[–]kill_ass -1 points0 points ago

Sorry dude. I appreciate that you care about earth. My post was a knee-jerk reaction to the phrase "not an environmentalist". I feel very passionately about the environment, and it's hard for me to understand anyone who feels differently. Like I said, I read some of your other posts, and I retract my initial statement.