Who's Behind the Anti-Agenda 21 Firestorm?

Lloyd Alter investigates the individuals and organizations "manufacturing" the anti-Agenda 21 campaign, and argues that "Big Oil" is helping to bankroll anti-sustainability efforts.

1 minute read

July 10, 2012, 1:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Although the anti-Agenda 21 rhetoric has made waves in the media, and in state and local governments across America, Robin Rather of Collective Strength,
who commissioned a recent survey for the APA that showed the majority of Americans don't know enough about it and only 6% oppose it, believes "the Agenda 21
phenomenon is highly manufactured. It's not out there in the
mainstream."

So who is responsible for leading the charge? Alter points to organizations such as the John Birch Society, American Policy Center, Americans for Prosperity, and Freedom Advocates as directing the Agenda 21 conspiracy campaign. 

For Alter, it is, "clear that the anti-agenda 21, anti-sustainability movement
is punching way above its weight in terms of public awareness and
support. It's not a grass roots movement of concerned local activists,
but, as Robin Rather puts it, 'a brilliant campaign, preying on real
fears that people have' about their homes and property."

Friday, June 29, 2012 in Treehugger

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Google street view of red brick multi-story power plant building in Pittsburgh, PA.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower

A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

July 4 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cyclist on protected bike lane in middle of street in Washington D.C. with Washington Monument obelisk visible in background.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”

The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

July 4 - Streetsblog USA

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business