is environmentalism elitist?

A hero doesn't call themselves a hero; Likewise, an environmentalist doesn't call themselves an environmentalist. When it comes down to it, who really ends up supporting nature through processes that create real fundamental change (like voting)? Who really prioritizes issues related to nature? Statistics/surveys say that wealthy individuals are only pro-environment when it affects them directly. Statistics/surveys also say that poor individuals are more often than not pro-environment. Individuals who live in underprivileged areas are, more often than not, the ones who care about things like preserving their community parks. Poor people tend to be more concerned than wealthy people are about issues like animal rights, air pollution, water pollution, and public health.

On the other hand, a wealthy individual who cares about air pollution might buy a Tesla. (Tesla is an American electric vehicle and clean energy company.) Does this make that individual an environmentalist? Not necessarily. Would this same person use the bus if they couldn't afford a Tesla? Maybe, but maybe not. Some people argue that the richer someone is the “greener” they are, simply because they can afford things like electric cars, organic food, reusable grocery bags, and expensive eco-friendly products.

With all of this in mind, we must ask ourselves: Is environmentalism elitist?