What is Ecological Modernization?
According to Janicke (2007), ecological modernization is described as a technology-based approach and oriented to innovation in environmental policy. This term began to popular in the 1980s, as a formulation of the environment and the economy. Later, this innovation builds the economic sector with environmentally friendly technology.
This concept is often associated with eco-efficient innovation, namely the introduction of environmentally friendly technologies by increasing resource productivity. The economic benefits of implement ecological modernization are essential, namely determining the role of the government in accelerating technical progress such as the Head of European Environmental Protection, which adapts the concept of good environmental regulation.
Ecological modernization can be seen in radical innovation in clean technology, by streamlining the use of materials, energy, transportation, space, and products. In his journal, Janicke added, two things are driving ecological modernization, namely [1] the role of a ‘smart’ government regulation and [2] increasing business risks in pollution in the context of multi-level environmental management.
Furthermore, Mol and Spaargaren (2007), see that the theory of ecological modernization is not as a form of de-industrialization, de-modernization, and counter-productivity. This perspective strengthened in the 1970s. The debate over ecological modernization theory continues, challenging traditional environmental movements especially fundamental reorganization in modern society.
The Neo Marxists contributed to the debate on this theory, which saw optimism in technology and technocratic character. This concept debate continues on radical versus reformist related to environmental reform and social inequalities caused by environmental reform, such as the gap between human relations with nature, gaps in the distribution of environmental policies, and gaps that occur due to environmental risks. For example, in the gap between environmental and human relations, there is an environmental crisis caused by anthropocentric views i.e. exploitation.
To concrete example, in the food industry, which there is a change in power, especially transformation and reproduction that is not balanced between humans and nature. The food industry is a characteristic of ecological modernization. Then, ecological modernization can also be seen in social status and class, when social class is privileged to own a house, car, food, and service, while the lower social class must struggle in meeting primary needs, because it is unable to access resources, which influenced by differences in distribution of environmental policies.
Globalization also took a role in this context, especially after economic development, which also causes environmental disparities, between developed and developing countries. It depends on the institutionalization of environmental considerations on global organizations, related to the use of natural resources by peripheral countries and the desire to increase transparency in environmental policies, which causes inequality.
The application of ecological modernization is also seen as a framework for sustainable development. For example, Sweden, as a country in Europe is committed to protecting the environment with technological innovation, social democracy, and improving social welfare.
Furthermore, ecological modernization is used by the government in establishing national policies, especially development. For example, resource conservation and recycling that are carried out in a strong and intensive manner, have been protected by policies, as well as the synergy between the community and the government (example: building capacity, participation from the community through government programs).
Ecological modernization developed rapidly after globalization in the 1990s. Since globalization, there has been a transformation carried out by OECD countries, which began to experience problems related to the environment, which arose from the development.
Not only happens in the West, the country that is said to develop also experiences it, one of them is Indonesia. For example, it occurs in pulp companies, which have problems such as sustainable social development without looking at the political rights of local communities, and the most important is the environment, because of the absence of an environmental audit.
The government becomes the stakeholder who responsible for this matter, especially in policy-making. Political elements cannot be separated from this context. The environmental policy itself is still difficult to implement in Indonesia, especially looking at ecological modernization as a guide to community sustainability (Nomura, 2009).
Ecological Modernization in Everyday Life
In everyday life, ecological modernization can be seen in the use of refrigerators, air conditioners, plumbing systems to save water and energy. Then, humans conduct experiments to reduce consumption in the environment, for example by cycling, car sharing, recycling, efficient home design. This was done in overcoming the negative impacts caused by ecological modernization such as the use of CFCs, which reaped controversy at the global level until finally the Montreal Protocol was issued.
The impact of CFCs damage the atmosphere, especially in the ozone layer. As for other impacts, namely the excessive consumption of non-environmentally friendly products, until finally established international rules, ISO 14000 regulates businesses to increase consumer confidence in environmentally friendly products. Initially implemented in Europe, and later, applied to 140 countries. Ecological modernization is very rapidly developing on the European mainland, where none prevents it, even the rules of NAFTA class, and other trade acts.
