When I first learned about the Nature Conservancy many years ago I was excited that there was an environmental organization that aligned with my vision of conservation through free market capitalism. Essentially, if you want to protect land from development you buy it. If you own it you can do with it as you see fit.
However, the Nature Conservancy has increasingly been falling in line with the global warming alarmists. Today I have discontinued my monetary support for them and am looking for a new organization that I can give to without being subject to the “nature good, humans bad” metallity. Your suggestions for such organizations are appreciated.
Below you can read the text of an e-mail I sent to the Nature Conservancy.
Hello, After many years of monetary support for the Nature Conservancy, my wife and I have decided to direct our money elsewhere. I am concerned about the organization’s increasing focus on human carbon emissions as a significant effect on climate change. Today I received an e-mail from the Nature Conservancy announcing that I can now “offset my carbon footprint” through the Nature Conservancy. This solidified my decision to identify another organization that aligns with our vision to conserve the environment without being distracted by the hysterics of rabid environmentalism.
As a scientist myself, I find it hard to believe that your scientists truly believe humans are a significant effect on climate. Instead, I think you are using the current carbon footprint hysteria to cash in. I understand the temptation to follow the frenzy to gain funds to do good conservation work, but the ends do not justify the means.
I totally support the objective to protect wild lands through private property ownership and stewardship, but can no longer sit by while the Nature Conservancy crafts policy based on flawed science and political expediency. Please remove me from your donor, e-mail and other communication lists.