Environmentalism and Independent Politics

The intersection of environmentalism and independent politics showcases a commitment to the planet through grassroots activism, civic engagement, and a commitment to sustainable stewardship.

Independent and third-party political movements have increasingly embraced environmental agendas as central pillars of their platforms. In this guide, we’ll highlight the minor parties, candidates, and independent leaders who have displayed the strongest dedication to environmentalism.

Minor Parties, Independent Candidates, and Environmentalism

Many minor political parties endorse environmentalism as part of their political platforms. 

For example, the Green Party regularly advocates for transitioning to renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and protecting natural resources. The Green Party has made environmental sustainability the central pillar of its platform.

The Libertarian Party also acknowledges the importance of environmental issues. Libertarians often advocate for property rights-based environmental protection and seek to reduce government subsidies to environmentally harmful industries. 

Moving beyond political parties, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is running an independent presidential campaign after spending years in the Democratic Party. Having spent more than 20 years as an environmental lawyer, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. wants to shift agricultural subsidies to focus more on sustainable farming techniques. He also wants to give industries money to help them switch to renewable energy.

The urgency of environmental issues has propelled voices like these to the forefront of political discussions. Independent political advocacy movements have emerged as influential voices in addressing these pressing issues, often offering fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship. Independent politicians and grassroots political movements help drive forward ambitious environmental agendas.

Comparison with Mainstream Political Parties

Minor parties, such as the Green Party and Socialist Party USA, often advocate for ambitious environmental policies by creating environmental platforms. Their suggestions often include aggressive measures to combat climate change, investments in renewable energy, conservation efforts, and stricter environmental regulations. Their environmental platforms often prioritize sustainability initiatives, biodiversity protection, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. 

By comparison, Democrats often advocate for environmental platforms, such as rejoining international climate agreements, investing in clean energy technologies, promoting conservation efforts, and implementing regulations to reduce carbon emissions. Meanwhile, Republicans tend to advocate for deregulation and expanding fossil fuel production. Some Republican politicians are also skeptical about climate change science.

For example, former President Donald Trump has remained skeptical about climate change science and has focused on economic growth. As president, Trump rolled back numerous environmental regulations established by previous administrations, particularly those related to climate change mitigation, pollution control, and conservation efforts. 

A New York Times analysis published in January 2021 reported that the Trump administration had completed 98 rollbacks of environmental policy, with 14 additional rollbacks in progress as of that point. 

Trump also withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement, a landmark international climate accord aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Trump also supported expanding domestic fossil fuel production, including coal, oil, and natural gas, and often framed environmental regulations as impediments to economic prosperity. His administration rolled back emissions standards for automobiles, weakened regulations on methane emissions from oil and gas operations, and opened protected lands for resource extraction.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden's environmental views have been characterized by a strong commitment to addressing climate change, promoting renewable energy, and restoring environmental protections. Since taking office, Biden has prioritized rejoining the Paris Agreement and has pledged to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He has unveiled ambitious plans to invest in clean energy infrastructure, advance renewable energy technologies, and create jobs in the green economy. 

Biden's administration has also taken steps to restore environmental regulations rolled back during the Trump era, such as reinstating methane emissions regulations and initiating efforts to conserve public lands. However, many have argued that Biden’s administration has not gone far enough in protecting the environment and standing up to corporate donors.

For example, in 2023, Yale Climate Connections graded Biden on his approach to climate issues and gave him a “D” in the subject of corporate accountability. Especially in southern states, such as Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama, the oil and gas industry has continued to expand, despite the Biden administration’s professed support of climate initiatives.

Compare those two positions to that of Howie Hawkins, who ran as the Green Party's candidate for president in 2020. Hawkins is renowned for his steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability and his approach to addressing climate change. At the core of his environmental advocacy lies the concept of the Green New Deal, a comprehensive plan to transition the United States to a 100% clean energy economy while simultaneously creating millions of green jobs. He has called for urgent action to combat climate change by rapidly phasing out fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal power. 

Additionally, Hawkins has advocated for robust environmental regulations to protect air and water quality, preserve natural habitats, and ensure environmental justice for marginalized communities that are disproportionately affected by pollution and environmental degradation.

Environmentalism at the Local Level

Independent politics at the local level can significantly impact the environmental movement. By challenging mainstream parties, independents can push for more ambitious environmental advocacy agendas and hold incumbent officials accountable for their environmental commitments. 

Additionally, independent politicians and grassroots political movements can amplify the voices of marginalized communities, advocating for more inclusive and equitable environmental policies.

For example, Kshama Sawant served on the Seattle City Council from 2014 to 2024. She is the only member of the Socialist Alternative ever elected to office, and her environmental advocacy has shaped the city's history. Her political advisory helped shape the city's environmental agenda, leading to initiatives such as expanding public transportation, investing in green infrastructure, and prioritizing climate action in city planning.

At the state level, independent candidates may propose legislation to strengthen environmental regulations, promote renewable energy, and conserve natural resources.

For example, Reform Party candidate Jesse Ventura became the governor of Minnesota in 1999. During his time in office, Ventura advocated for various environmental initiatives, including the preservation of Minnesota's natural resources and the promotion of renewable energy. He supported policies to reduce pollution, conserve waterways, and protect wilderness areas. Ventura's environmental priorities led to the implementation of measures to enhance environmental protection and the passing of sustainability initiatives in Minnesota. 

During Ventura’s tenure, the state created the Minnesota Environmental Trust Fund to pay for numerous environmental policies across Minnesota. While he was governor, the state invested in wind energy projects and expanded incentives for renewable energy production. 

Even when independents don't win their elections, their political advocacy can shape public discourse and pressure mainstream parties to address environmental concerns more effectively. Collaboration among lawmakers from different ideological backgrounds can lead to bipartisan support for environmental initiatives, resulting in meaningful legislation and policies. Often, environmental activism creates allies between people from different parties.

Independent candidates and third-party movements have brought attention to overlooked environmental issues and advocated for various environmental policy changes to address climate change and environmental injustice. 

The Environmental Legacy of Independents and Third Parties

The relationship between environmentalism and independent politics is characterized by a shared commitment to sustainability initiatives, social justice, and grassroots activism. Yet, different candidates may propose unique initiatives in the political landscape, and not all minor parties and independent candidates prioritize environmentalism in their platforms.

Minor-party initiatives often challenge the dominance of the mainstream parties and push for policies that prioritize environmental protection and conservation efforts. Independents also serve as champions for environmental justice, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities disproportionately affected by environmental injustices. 

Through their initiatives and activism, independent politicians can bring attention to overlooked environmental issues, promote innovative solutions, and foster bipartisan cooperation on environmental policy. Overall, independent politics and environmentalism intersect in their shared goals of promoting a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Get Involved in the Environmental Movement

Exploring diverse voices from different political ideologies and exploring viewpoints outside the two-party system can provide invaluable insights and innovative solutions to environmental challenges. By engaging with minor parties and independent movements, you can gain a deeper understanding of the intersections between politics and environmentalism, as well as the diverse range of political ideologies that seek to address environmental issues.

Want to get involved and make a difference, without buying into the two-party system?

Here are a few great ways to join the movement:

#1: Run for office as an independent, pro-environment candidate. 

Running for office as an independent candidate lets you tailor your campaign platform to your community’s specific needs. Whether you want to focus on public transportation, recycling, reducing carbon emissions, or another environmental issue, running as an independent lets you spark real change. 

You can learn more about running for office by exploring our full collection of campaign guides and resources here, or by booking a meeting with our team to discuss launching your campaign.

#2: Volunteer to support pro-environment candidates.

If you don’t have the time or resources to run for office yourself, the next best thing is to support someone else who is running for office and whose platform you believe in. Find a candidate in your area who supports the same environmental policies you do, and reach out to learn how you can volunteer for their campaign. You might consider participating in door-to-door canvassing, text banking, or another form of voter outreach.

You can join GoodParty.org’s growing Discord community to find volunteer opportunities with independent candidates across the country. This online community is also a great place to connect with other independents who are passionate about environmentalism.

#3: Raise awareness.

Raising awareness about environmental issues and the two-party system’s failures to adequately address them is an important step toward making real change. Easy ways to raise awareness include posting on social media, writing op-eds or letters to the editor, and sharing your concerns with family and friends.

However you choose to get involved, know that you’re making an impact, one step at a time!                               

Photo by Thomas Richter on Unsplash