Think Globally, Act Locally
Think Globally, Act Locally refers to the argument that global environmental problems can
turn into action only by considering ecological, economic, and cultural differences of our local
surroundings.
This phrase was originated by Rene Dubos as an advisor to the United Nations Conference on the
Human Environment in 1972. In 1979, Dubos suggested that ecological consciousness should begin at home.
He believed that there needed to be a creation of a World Order in which "natural and social
units maintain or recapture their identity, yet interplay with each other through a rich
system of communications". In the 1980's, Dubos held to his thoughts on acting locally, and
felt that issues involving the environment must be dealt with in their "unique physical,
climatic, and cultural contexts."(Eblen and Eblen, 1994, p. 702)
Compiled by
Joy Grillon jg2@cec.wustl.edu Last updated 10/27/94.