Environmental movements across the world have been engaged in critiquing large-scale industrial enterprises and the values of capitalist society. With climate change LOOMING large, there is an increased sense of awareness that it will impact disproportionately on the poor in the Global South.

Environmental movements do not make a direct reference to Gandhi, although the methods that many of them adopt and the DISCOURSE that is moulded in their wake often contain GANDHIAN elements.

One example is the Zapatista rebellion in Mexico, which, after a violent confrontation with government forces, turned to civilian-based forms of resistance. Its alternative model of organising society—based on the principles of autonomy, participation and public office — is SEEN as a form of service rather than as a source of power, suggesting strong Gandhian overtones.

Most of the environmental movements in India emerged in response to the developmental paradigm that the country adopted after Independence. They are centred on issues related to livelihood, land, water and ecological stability.

What is remarkable about these movements is that many of them adopted Gandhian methods of action such as civil disobedience, burying themselves in coastal sand, Jal Satyagraha, long walks, hunger strikes, involvement of political and community leaders, PETITIONING to officials, dialogue with scientists and government officials and convening of all party meetings to build consensus. Many leaders of such movements were inspired by Gandhi and his perspectives on social change.