Environmentalists Must Align with the Anti-Surveillance Movement

What do Greenpeace and the NSA have in common? Besides a recent well-publicized blimp incident in Utah, it may seem as though the environmental NGO and intelligence agency occupy decidedly separate spheres on the political spectrum. This notion is, unfortunately, quite far from the truth . When taking into account the revolving door between the energy industry and government (in both the US and Canada), and the industry’s obvious interest in stifling environmental protest, it becomes clear that the relationship between the intelligence sector and the environmental movement is deeply rooted, and ultimately threatens conservationist goals. In an era where the privacy rights of digital communications occupy a legal grey area roundly ignored by intelligence agencies (often to the benefit of private sector interests), this threat is as real as ever. If environmental activists are to be successful in the 21st century, they must take a firm stance against government intrusions on privacy, and align themselves with the burgeoning anti-mass surveillance movement that opposes these intrusions.

It is no secret that money buys access and influence in politics—that’s simply a reality. The lucrative, profit-driven nature of the energy industry give it a sizable advantage over the grassroots-based environmental movement in this regard. In addition to scientific and moral legitimacy, environmental activists rely on the advantage of democratic mobilization. Acts of mobilization, such as protest and media action, are of course far more effective when the opposing side is not expecting them. Unfortunately, all signs currently point to an unholy alliance between intelligence and energy here in Canada which, through extensive spying on activists and highly questionable information sharing, fosters an informational asymmetry in the battle for conservation and undercuts the democratic power of environmentalists. It also opens the door for blackmail, character assassination, and sabotage; dirty tricks that energy companies are no strangers to.

The anti-surveillance movement, through grassroots action and organizational support from groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union and Electronic Frontier Foundation, seeks to scale back this kind of out-of-control civilian group monitoring. At the heart of the cause is resistance to the government freely labelling peaceful groups as terrorists and extremists, thus leading to the unnecessary use of muscular anti-terrorist resources against these groups, something that has regrettably happened to the environmental movement here in Canada. Other environmental groups should note Greenpeace’s example, and stand up publicly against these civil liberty encroachments, since it is clearly in their best interests. One way to start is by partnering with groups and coalitions on the same political circuit, such as the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group for national groups (for university activists, there are plenty of such campus groups, such as OpenMedia at McGill).

Last month’s People’s Climate March highlighted the incredible diversity of support the environmental movement receives in North America. Reinvigorating and reunifying what some have called a fading cause, the march importantly showcased the various bonds the ‘Green’ movement has made with other social and political causes. Solidarities with pacifist, indigenous rights, and religious groups (to name a few) have long strengthened the environmental movement’s legitimacy, and demonstrate the intrinsically interrelated nature of social justice causes. Now, it is time to add another alliance to this repertoire. By joining the fight against mass surveillance, environmentalists can ensure their movement has a fighting chance in the generations to come, before it is too late.