The article contrasts Jules Verne's vision of environmental improvement through ambitious development with the current environmental movement, which is largely perceived as anti-growth and detrimental to living standards. It highlights the frustrations faced by cities like Los Angeles, hindered by green regulations in their rebuilding efforts after disasters. The author posits that a backlash against such restrictive policies is emerging, personified by figures like Donald Trump, emphasizing the historical context of land transformation and development that characterized Verne's time.
Verne wrote prodigiously about making the Earth better for people, contrasting with today’s predominantly anti-growth greens, causing friction in rebuilding efforts.
Despite environmental concerns, the ambition to transform land, as exemplified by the Suez Canal, reflects a bygone era of development enthusiasm.
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