Ecological modernization theory: What about consumption?

This article takes a critical look at ecological modernization, particularly in regard to its strong "productivist'' orientation. The empirical and conceptual focus of ecological modernization is the problematization of production - namely, how things are produced. The question then becomes: Is the problematization of production, in itself, sufficient to render the question of ( over) consumption irrelevant? I argue that it is not; a resolution to our global ecological problems can only be found in the problematization of both production and consumption. In presenting this argument, I focus extensively on two salient claims espoused by ecological modernization: ( 1) the achievement of super- (eco) efficiencies through a program of more production, and ( 2) its "dematerialization thesis.'' This call for equal conceptual emphasis on both consumption and production presents ecological modernization with significant challenges: challenges that, if adequately addressed, will only further strengthen its prominence in the field.